Five lessons for journalists from M. Ziauddin

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year |  Media Guru

Muhammad Ziauddin, a stalwart of Pakistani journalism and former Executive Editor of The Express Tribune, passed away in 2021. Throughout his life, Ziauddin Sahib stood and fought for free media and the institution of the independent editor, as Kamal Siddiqi, former editor of The Express Tribune, wrote in his column.

"Today, as we look at the state of the media in Pakistan, both freedom and independence are under threat," Siddiqi noted in his column titled "Lessons from M. Ziauddin," published in The Express Tribune. "And those persons who led by example or showed us the way are gradually fading away."

Ziauddin’s tenure as the executive editor of The Express Tribune marked a significant chapter in his career, reflecting his commitment to journalistic excellence and independence.

According to Siddiqi, journalists must strive towards the ideals that leaders like Ziauddin fought for over decades. "In this, we have a lot to learn from personalities like Ziauddin sahib," he urged.

"It was a hard and difficult path he chose, but at the end of the day, he will be remembered as one of Pakistan's most iconic journalists."

Lesson 1: Simple Lifestyle and Integrity
The first lesson Ziauddin imparted was living a simple lifestyle, maintaining a hands-on approach, and having zero tolerance for compromise in work. "He would say that it is not difficult for journalists to lead a simple lifestyle—it is when they start having illusions of grandeur that things can get complicated."

Lesson 2: Hands-On Approach
"The second lesson was his hands-on approach," Siddiqi highlighted. "This meant doing things yourself—writing your story, answering your emails, doing your own interviews, and conducting your own research."
Ziauddin’s approach also included being conversant with technology and trends, such as using social media professionally. "He would never shy away from learning new things and pushing for change and new ideas. That made him very popular among his younger colleagues."

Lesson 3: Approachability
The third lesson was being constantly approachable. "Anyone and everyone was welcome to come in and talk to Ziauddin sahib. He would put aside what he was doing and listen patiently to what was being said."

Lesson 4: Professional Activity and Networking
The fourth lesson was to remain professionally active. "A journalist, no matter what age or experience, has to network."

Ziauddin believed that a journalist should be visible at workshops, festivals, conferences, press conferences, get-togethers, and political events. "Go out and meet people. Make contacts. Listen to them. One never knows where a journalist can get their next story," he advised his colleagues.

He also emphasized the importance of visiting press clubs, participating in press-related activities, and working with press unions. "Many senior journalists seem to disengage from such activities as they climb the administrative ladder."

Lesson 5: Integrity and Accountability
Finally, Ziauddin's most significant quality was his caliber and integrity. "Not only was he careful about stories done by his subordinates, he made sure his own work was also checked and vetted under the same standards. He put himself through the same accountability process as those around him."

"All these qualities made Ziauddin Sahib a much-respected and much-loved member of the journalist community—a rare gem at a time when the profession faces innumerable challenges," Siddiqi concluded.

(JournalismPakistan.com originally published this story on December 7, 2021).