Genuine newspapers battling for survival: The Nation

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 1 October 2018

The Nation discusses the challenges faced by newspapers due to increased paper prices and unpaid advertising. It emphasizes the need for financial support for genuine media houses.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – The Nation on Monday said that it was being affected by a massive increase in paper prices, delayed payments for advertisements, and cuts in government expenditure on advertising, as were other genuine newspapers.

In an editorial titled ‘Journalism’s battle for survival’, the paper said journalism as a standalone profession has become an endangered species.

“No profession can thrive without financial viability. This newspaper has survived long stretches — years — without any government advertising whatsoever. The current government intends to operate in a climate of austerity, and as a result, intends to cut down government advertising as well. It would be less cause for alarm if the economic climate encouraged businesses to grow, and offer their products for consideration with enthusiasm, through advertising. Sadly that is not yet the case,” The Nation said.

The paper said that advertising dues by the billions remain unpaid. “These are monies that newspapers have already paid tax on, monies that were owed years ago, monies that have been earned and are not being asked for as a favour.”

The editorial pointed out that this crisis was the creation mainly of the previous government. “However, it falls on the PTI’s shoulders to correct it. No doubt the current climate of austerity will have to be accounted for by newspapers as well, and we will all have to make adjustments. But our dues, that we have earned, must be paid. Without that liquidity, the difficulties of genuine media houses, such as this one, cannot be solved.

The paper said that media houses with supporting businesses must be second priority in payments.