JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 24, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channel
SIALKOT—The government is considering granting media the status of industry, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab on Information, said this at a media talk.
"It will solve many problems that the journalist community is facing," she said. Pakistani journalists working in the industry will be fully compensated for performing their professional duties and responsibilities. The government is committed to providing economic and social protection to journalists," she said.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Punjab government is providing financial support to many deserving journalists. So far, out of 378 journalists, more than Rs24 million has been disbursed to the needy journalists.
"In fact, press freedom is an integral part of the PTI government manifesto," she expressed, emphasizing that the current government is committed to restoring journalism to its true spirit.
Globally, many countries have provided industry status to media, which can be defined as a diverse collection of press organizations and media outlets. The main functions of the media industry are the production, publication, and distribution of media content, such as texts and visuals. According to a rough estimate, the United States media and entertainment industry is a $703 billion market. It comprises different media businesses to produce and distribute motion pictures, television programs and commercials, live streaming, music and audio recordings, podcasting, broadcast, radio, and publications. The American M&E market, which is 33 percent of the global media industry, is also believed to be the world's largest media market.
Photo: Twitter (@Dr_FirdousPTI)
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.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
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?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.