Only the 'favorites' allowed to cover PM's visit to Governor House

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 30 April 2016

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to the Governor House was attended only by favored reporters. Many journalists were barred from covering the event, leading to allegations of media bias.

Summary

LAHORE: Only the 'favorite' reporters were invited to the Governor House in Lahore Saturday when Prime Nawaz Sharif visited.

Samaa.tv, quoting one of their correspondents said that journalists and channels known for their pro-government views made hassle-free entry to the Governor House to cover the prime minister’s meeting and ask questions. The channel reported that many channels were barred from covering the event but eight reporters of a single news channel widely known for its pro-government propaganda were allowed in.

Samaa reporter Naeem Ashraf Butt quoted a source as saying that journalists were asked by Sharif’s media managers not to ask tough questions about Panama papers.

KEY POINTS:

• Only 'favorite' reporters covered PM Sharif's visit to Governor House.
• Many journalists and channels were denied entry to the event.
• Eight reporters from a pro-government channel were allowed inside.
• Media managers requested that tough questions about Panama papers be avoided.
• Concerns raised over unequal media access during political events.