Media Spotlight

Discover the Media Spotlight section, featuring thought-provoking articles by senior journalists. Explore in-depth analyses of journalism trends, newsroom challenges, and press freedom issues, alongside lighter stories, newsroom anecdotes, and the evolution of reporting tools. Celebrate the dedication and courage of journalists shaping the media landscape today.

It's like there's no tomorrow

It's like there's no tomorrow

 Published 6 years ago:  Tensions rise in Islamabad amid JUI-F sit-in, highlighting irresponsible media coverage and the chaotic atmosphere surrounding political discourse.

The value of a mentor

The value of a mentor

 Published 6 years ago:  The value of mentors in journalism is essential, as they impart knowledge and experience cultivated over years in the industry.

No need to get fancy

No need to get fancy

 Published 6 years ago:  The importance of simplicity in English writing is highlighted through personal anecdotes and examples from journalism in Pakistan.

It's okay to print profanity

It's okay to print profanity

 Published 6 years ago:  The recent publication of profanity in Pakistani media raises serious concerns about journalistic standards and professionalism.

The media is not the enemy

The media is not the enemy

 Published 6 years ago:  The media's portrayal as an enemy in Pakistan obscures the real dangers journalists face, including violence and government suppression.

A matter of perspective

A matter of perspective

 Published 6 years ago:  Imran Khan's impactful UN speech reshapes perspectives on Pakistan's challenges and leadership, sparking both domestic and international discussions.

Integrity lost

Integrity lost

 Published 6 years ago:  The decline of integrity in Pakistan's media raises concerns about the ethical standards and responsibility of journalists today.

Four reasons not to watch the news

Four reasons not to watch the news

 Published 6 years ago:  Local news has become unbearable due to repetition, language issues, foreign influences, and insensitive animations. Let's explore why!

Jamil Akhtar: We called him Daddy

Jamil Akhtar: We called him Daddy

 Published 6 years ago:  Jamil Akhtar, affectionately known as Daddy, passed away at 79, remembered for his dedication and impactful role at Khaleej Times and Dawn.

Journalism without boundaries: The growth of unqualified news anchors in Pakistan

Journalism without boundaries: The growth of unqualified news anchors in Pakistan

 Published 7 years ago:  The rise of unqualified news anchors in Pakistan challenges traditional journalism ethics and qualifications in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Hamid Mir - Just another journalist

Hamid Mir - Just another journalist

 Published 8 years ago:  Hamid Mir's commentary criticizes the National Press Club elections and highlights the disheartening behavior of some individuals during the event.

The fake news invasion - take care!

The fake news invasion - take care!

 Published 9 years ago:  The rise of fake news threatens journalism and public trust, requiring urgent verification efforts in the digital age.

Inside the newsroom on budget day

Inside the newsroom on budget day

 Published 9 years ago:  Experiencing the bustling atmosphere of a newsroom on budget day, where teamwork and precision are crucial to cover every aspect of the budget announcement.

Nasir Zaidi and his group: They stood up to a dictator

Nasir Zaidi and his group: They stood up to a dictator

 Published 9 years ago:  Nasir Zaidi and fellow journalists faced severe repression during Zia-ul-Haq's regime, symbolizing the struggle for media freedom in Pakistan.

When editors were editors

When editors were editors

 Published 10 years ago:  The evolution of newspaper editors in Pakistan reflects a diminishing role as owners exert undue influence over editorial independence.

Sins of the crime reporter

Sins of the crime reporter

 Published 11 years ago:  Crime reporting in Pakistan remains stagnant, plagued by vague details and lack of investigative depth despite public interest in the subject.

By-line: A contentious issue

By-line: A contentious issue

 Published 11 years ago:  The article explores the contentious nature of by-lines in journalism, emphasizing that they should be earned through quality reporting.

Breaking the monotony: Revamping subediting practices in journalism

Breaking the monotony: Revamping subediting practices in journalism

 Published 12 years ago:  Subediting in journalism needs a creative overhaul to enhance language and readability, moving away from outdated practices!

How a paper was shut down 50 years ago

How a paper was shut down 50 years ago

 Published 12 years ago:  This article explores the closure of Daily Kohistan in 1963 due to government actions against press freedom amid rising editorial conflicts.

Time to get a khoka

Time to get a khoka

 Published 12 years ago:  An insightful critique on the evolving landscape of journalism and the personal struggles of a veteran journalist in a changing industry.

Newsrooms, hardly the place for women

Newsrooms, hardly the place for women

 Published 12 years ago:  The challenges women face in Pakistani newsrooms highlight systemic sexism and the need for substantial change in the media industry.

Why I rejoined the newsroom?

Why I rejoined the newsroom?

 Published 12 years ago:  After years in the demanding newsroom environment, a senior journalist reflects on his reentry into journalism while balancing farming.

Workshop trekkies and online mullahs

Workshop trekkies and online mullahs

 Published 12 years ago:  The article critiques the ineffectiveness of workshops attended by journalists and the rise of online mullahs influencing social media in Pakistan.

The league of extraordinary multi-taskers

The league of extraordinary multi-taskers

 Published 12 years ago:  Exploring the invaluable contributions of office tea boys in newsrooms and their extraordinary multitasking abilities in the workplace.

The day Dawn became Herald

The day Dawn became Herald

 Published 12 years ago:  On 1 April 1950, Dawn newspaper changed its name to Herald amid controversy and public protests following a legislative bill regarding trusteeship.

Newspapers vs anchors

Newspapers vs anchors

 Published 12 years ago:  This article explores the decline of newspapers in the digital age and contrasts them with the rise of television news anchors in Pakistan.

Pranks and newsroom tales

Pranks and newsroom tales

 Published 12 years ago:  This article explores humorous tales and pranks from the newsroom that highlight camaraderie and unforgettable moments among journalists.

The newsroom bullshitter

The newsroom bullshitter

 Published 12 years ago:  The article explores the presence and impact of the quintessential newsroom bullshitter who dominates conversations and manipulates perceptions.