JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 14, 2023
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—According to a recent report by the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Pakistan's digital journalism start-ups are championing public interest content, free expression, and gender inclusivity despite facing financial challenges, safety risks, disinformation pressures, and resource constraints.
The 2022 "Challenges of Viability, Sustainability and Resilience of Indie Digital Journalism" report on the State of Digital Journalism provides an honest assessment of Pakistan's independent online journalism landscape, which is emerging amid an uptick in internet and social media usage and an accompanying crackdown on digital rights and online freedoms.
The report highlights the growing challenges to the viability and sustainability of independent digital journalism start-ups and explores how they are coping with these issues. It presents industry perspectives on the changing nature of journalism, challenges to freedom of expression, gender equality in digital media, the use of social networks for online journalism, the impact of disinformation, and the sustainability of media start-ups.
The study is based on interviews with Pakistani journalism practitioners, senior journalists, media freedom activists, and media experts. Respondents include Amber Rahim Shamsi, Badar Alam, Benazir Shah, Farah Zia, Farhatullah Babar, Hamid Mir, Haroon Rashid, Matiullah Jan, Ramsha Jahangir, Sabookh Syed, Talha Ahad, Xari Jalil, and Zaigham Khan, among others.
Aftab Alam, the Executive Director of IRADA and a co-author of the report, said the State of Digital Journalism report offers insight into the challenges faced by digital media but also relays suggestions about best practices and opportunities.
“Non-legacy digital journalism outlets in Pakistan have to contend with financial sustainability issues and threats brought about by disinformation, technology practices, and Internet policies in addition to the traditional risks to press freedom,” Mr. Alam said. “We hope the perspectives compiled in this report will inform the strategies needed by the digital journalism industry to resist and overcome these challenges.”
The report can be accessed here.
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?