Journalism Pakistan
Opportunities: James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalistsPakistan: Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abductionPakistan: The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies rolePakistan: Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalistsWorld: Mexican journalist Paty Bunbury shot deadOpportunities: Tarbell grants boost AI journalism with awards up to $15,000World: Financial laws misused to intimidate journalists globally, UNESCO study revealsPakistan: Journalist urges New York Times to reevaluate partnership with The NationPakistan: Media outlets rectify error on Middle Temple bencher titlePakistan: Talat Hussain under fire for controversial profiling of US legislatorsSports: What lies ahead for print media in sports reportingDigital Connections: How social media stars shape consumer behavior

From 'urging unity' to 'enthralling audience'

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published April 15, 2012 |  Daud Malik

Join our WhatsApp channel

From 'urging unity' to 'enthralling audience'

Some headlines have become inseparable part of our genes, culture and of course the media. They automatically step forth as soon as they are needed. They are so strongly embedded that even an effort to replace them seems like committing ‘blasphemy’.

The ‘urge/call for unity’ is a must appearance. From time to time, the president and prime minister often ‘urge’ Muslims to unite. They also ‘urge’ party workers to get united against ‘undemocratic forces’ as and when a political crisis brews.    

On expressing solidarity with Kashmir cause, every leader wants “just and peaceful solution” but never fails to mention it should be “in accordance with the UN resolutions and the wishes of Kashmiri people.”  

Ironically people are constantly ‘found dead’. Sometimes they are even ‘found shot dead’.  And promotional events, especially those arranged by the newspapers themselves, are always “thronged”.

A month back tent pegging, a popular cavalry sport, made a comeback to Islamabad after eight years. Galloping horsemen carrying a lance to pick up a small ground target was a spectacle for both electronic and print media.
Shots of horsemen succeeding in picking the symbolic tent peg were shown again and again by TV channels. On the other hand, newspapers made sure that they have the snap where the horsemen is about to or has just picked the ground target.

But when it came to describing the action-packed sport, the most they could do was to “enthrall spectators”.

On a musical night in Peshawar “memorable singing” had also ‘enthralled audience”.   

Similarly Sufi singing “spread magic” in India last year, but didn’t forget – you guessed it – to “enthrall audience”.    

If by any chance the audience is not “enthralled”, they are “mesmerized”. Sometimes even before the event is held, as a story in a national daily announced: “Music will not be silenced - a concert to celebrate Music Freedom Day - will mesmerize the fun lovers of the twin cities...”   

Plays or any cultural performance also end up “enthralling” the audience. That is why last year “the artists, artisans and folk musicians” continued to “enthral visitors as a large number of people thronged the Lok Virsa at Shakarparian Hills to enjoy glimpses of Pakistan’s diverse and unique cultural heritage…”
And a classical singer in Chakwal also – for the nth time – “enthrals” audience.

(Daud Malik is a senior journalist who has worked for The News and Dawn)
 

Recycled guests and repeated narratives: The talk show problem in Pakistan

Recycled guests and repeated narratives: The talk show problem in Pakistan

 September 07, 2024:  Pakistani media is under fire for its lack of investigative reporting, political influence, and censorship. With talk shows becoming monotonous and biased, the public is turning to digital platforms for real news. Read on to learn how Pakistani journalism is failing its people.

Censorship and career: Working as a journalist in the UAE

Censorship and career: Working as a journalist in the UAE

 July 11, 2024:  Explore the challenges and opportunities expat journalists face in the UAE, with insights from Imran Naeem Ahmad, a former Gulf News journalist. Discover the impact of censorship, career prospects, and the reality of working for leading newspapers like Khaleej Times and Gulf News in Dubai.

The invisible hand: How censorship shapes Pakistani journalism today

The invisible hand: How censorship shapes Pakistani journalism today

 July 09, 2024:  Explore the profound impact of censorship on Pakistani journalism. Delve into the challenges faced by journalists, the erosion of press freedom, and broader societal implications in a country grappling with media restrictions and government control.

Why local journalism matters more than ever in a globalized world

Why local journalism matters more than ever in a globalized world

 July 08, 2024:  Discover the critical role of local news in a globalized world and how grassroots journalism empowers communities, ensures informed citizenship, and strengthens our societal fabric in the age of global connectivity.

How Asian print media is fighting back against digital dominance

How Asian print media is fighting back against digital dominance

 July 06, 2024:  Explore the challenges facing print media in Asia, from digital competition to financial struggles, and discover how newspapers and magazines are adapting to survive in the digital age.

The surge of independent media in Asia: A new dawn for journalism

The surge of independent media in Asia: A new dawn for journalism

 July 03, 2024:  Discover how independent media outlets in Asia are transforming journalism by breaking barriers and shaping public opinion. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of these new voices in the media landscape.

Examining the perilous future of Pakistan's print media

Examining the perilous future of Pakistan's print media

 June 28, 2024:  Dive into an extensive exploration of the ominous challenges besieging Pakistan's print media sector. Delve into the heart of the debate on whether traditional newspapers can withstand the onslaught of the digital revolution.

Vanishing voices: The fall of investigative journalism in Pakistan

Vanishing voices: The fall of investigative journalism in Pakistan

 June 23, 2024:  Explore the decline of investigative journalism in Pakistan and understand the economic, political, and safety challenges that journalists face. Discover ongoing efforts to revive this vital form of journalism.

Newsroom
James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalists

James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalists

 November 04, 2024 The James B. Steele Fellowship in Investigative Business Journalism offers aspiring journalists comprehensive training and a master's degree from the Cronkite School to develop skills in holding corporations accountable and delivering essential news to the public.

Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abduction

Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abduction

 November 04, 2024 Journalist Asad Ali Toor has challenged Pakistan's investigative journalists, calling them "touts of the establishment," to cover the recent kidnapping of Imran Khan's lawyer, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who was found beaten and tortured. In a widely circulated video, Toor questioned their integrity and called for unbiased investigation into the case.

The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies role

The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies role

 November 04, 2024 The Nation has removed a story on US Congress members supporting Imran Khan's release after editor Salman Masood denied involvement. The story sparked a debate over editorial oversight and accusations of conspiratorial narratives.

Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalists

Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalists

 November 02, 2024 On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan’s Daily Dawn urges the state to take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure accountability, citing threats in Gaza, Pakistan, and beyond where media professionals face unprecedented risks.

Vietnamese blogger handed 12-year prison sentence for anti-state propaganda

Vietnamese blogger handed 12-year prison sentence for anti-state propaganda

 November 01, 2024 Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.