JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 13, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—Two newscasters of Abb Tak Television advertised Nestle juice during a news bulletin—a first in Pakistan's electronic media history.
Sipping from the product—Nestle Fruita Vitals—the two smiling news readers inform the viewers about the opportunity to get free internet and Jazz super data. All they had to do was to buy a 200ml juice pack and scratch it to get free internet.
The newscasters also urge the viewers to buy as many packs as possible to increase their chances of winning daily. They also inform them the product was readily available across Pakistan.
Such advertising did not amuse author Shazia Hasan. "Is this for real? Or someone's idea of a stupid joke? Well, ok I never saw news anchors as genuine journalists but selling juice during a news bulletin?!! This is insane!!! #news #anchors #journalism #JournalismIsDead #marketing #juice #Advertising #Pakistan,” she tweeted.
In the past, English daily The News, and some other newspapers ran entire front page advertisements, even compromising on their masthead.
For a leading tea brand advert, The News front page, including its masthead, was in the color of the product—yellow.
The newscasters advertising a product during a news bulletin creates a confusing situation for viewers. If this trend catches on, the line between actual news and advertising will get blurred.
Is this for real? Or someone's idea of a stupid joke? Well, ok I never saw news anchors as genuine journalists but selling juice during a news bulletin?!! This is insane!!! #news #anchors #journalism #JournalismIsDead #marketing #juice #Advertising #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/9eESpm13im
— Shazia Hasan (@HasanShazia) June 13, 2020
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
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.