Russia labels Deutsche Welle undesirable in media crackdown Tunisia journalists' union flags widening repression of media RSF condemns Lai verdict, cites Hong Kong press freedom slide Bondi Beach attack exposes media failures and TV theatrics HRCP warns ad ban on Dawn threatens press freedom Bangladesh editors condemn journalist arrest as repression India Supreme Court grants interim bail to journalist Mahesh Langa EESC urges stronger labor protections for journalists Trump sues BBC for $10 billion over edited January 6 speech Board resignations hit Australia’s top journalism awards body Russia labels Deutsche Welle undesirable in media crackdown Tunisia journalists' union flags widening repression of media RSF condemns Lai verdict, cites Hong Kong press freedom slide Bondi Beach attack exposes media failures and TV theatrics HRCP warns ad ban on Dawn threatens press freedom Bangladesh editors condemn journalist arrest as repression India Supreme Court grants interim bail to journalist Mahesh Langa EESC urges stronger labor protections for journalists Trump sues BBC for $10 billion over edited January 6 speech Board resignations hit Australia’s top journalism awards body
Logo
Janu
Insights

Anchor Talat Hussain laughs as Marwat makes vulgar comment on air

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last month |  JP Staff Report

Join our WhatsApp channel

Anchor Talat Hussain laughs as Marwat makes vulgar comment on air
A viral Samaa TV video showing MNA Sher Afzal Marwat making a crude comment while anchor Talat Hussain laughs has drawn sharp criticism of Pakistani media ethics.

ISLAMABAD — A viral clip from a Samaa TV talk show has sparked widespread outrage after MNA Sher Afzal Marwat made a vulgar comment about a woman on air. At the same time, anchor Syed Talat Hussain laughed in response. The incident has reignited debate over the collapsing standards of ethics and professionalism in Pakistani television.

In the clip, Marwat is heard saying a woman “came to the studio without shaving.” Hussain, visibly amused, repeats the phrase in disbelief and bursts into laughter. Marwat reiterates the comment, adding that he can “explain” it if the anchor did not understand. The exchange, now circulating across social media, has drawn intense criticism for its crude and sexist tone.

Viewers have slammed both the guest and the host, questioning why such offensive talk is tolerated on mainstream media. “This is not a political debate; it’s disgraceful,” one observer said. Many have called out the channel for failing to exercise editorial control or issue an apology.

Critics say the episode reflects a growing culture of sensationalism and disrespect on Pakistani talk shows, where shock value increasingly replaces journalistic substance. Media observers have also criticized the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for its silence, saying the regulator has failed to uphold broadcast standards.

This latest controversy underscores a disturbing trend: the normalization of vulgarity and misogyny in public discourse under the guise of political discussion. The lack of accountability, experts warn, continues to erode public trust in television journalism.

Photo: The background in Talat Hussain’s photo is AI-generated and used here for representational purposes.

Dive Deeper

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

 December 13, 2025: Pakistani media bodies have condemned the government’s unannounced ban on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s TV and radio outlets, calling it an attack on press freedom.

Newsroom
Russia labels Deutsche Welle undesirable in media crackdown

Russia labels Deutsche Welle undesirable in media crackdown

 December 16, 2025 Russia has declared German broadcaster Deutsche Welle an undesirable organization, criminalizing cooperation and deepening restrictions on independent media in a widening press freedom crackdown.


Tunisia journalists' union flags widening repression of media

Tunisia journalists' union flags widening repression of media

 December 16, 2025 Tunisia journalists' union warns authorities are increasingly detaining and prosecuting reporters outside press law protections, signaling a broader crackdown on media freedom and dissent.


RSF condemns Lai verdict, cites Hong Kong press freedom slide

RSF condemns Lai verdict, cites Hong Kong press freedom slide

 December 16, 2025 RSF condemns the Lai verdict as a sham trial and highlights Hong Kong’s fall to 140th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, warning of rising risks for journalists.


Bondi Beach attack exposes media failures and TV theatrics

Bondi Beach attack exposes media failures and TV theatrics

 December 16, 2025 The Bondi Beach attack highlights stark contrasts between responsible Australian journalism and sensational Indian TV coverage, raising urgent questions about ethics, accountability, and crisis reporting.


Bangladesh editors condemn journalist arrest as repression

Bangladesh editors condemn journalist arrest as repression

 December 16, 2025 Bangladesh press bodies condemn the arrest of journalist Anis Alamgir under the Anti-Terrorism Act, warning of repression and calling for due process and withdrawal of baseless charges.


Popular Stories