Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 13 December 2025

Several media bodies have condemned the government's unannounced restriction on ads to Dawn Media Group's outlets. They warn that this move threatens independent journalism in Pakistan.

Summary

KARACHI — Several media organizations have condemned the government’s unannounced restriction on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s television and radio outlets, imposed after earlier curtailment of ads to its flagship newspaper.

The Council of Newspaper Editors said Dawn Media Group is among Pakistan’s most respected media organizations and warned that halting government advertising would financially cripple the group.

CPNE condemnation and concerns

In a statement attributed to its president and secretary general, the CPNE said Dawn has provided unbiased information since the creation of Pakistan. It described the advertising stoppage as a serious blow to independent journalism and urged authorities to reverse the decision.

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society also criticized the denial of government advertisements to Dawn Media Group outlets, saying it was dismayed by the move.

APNS warns against pressure on editorial policy

In a press release, the APNS said Daily Dawn had already faced curtailment of government advertising for the past 13 months, and that extending the restriction to the group’s television and radio channels was unjust and an attack on freedom of expression. The society said the measure appeared intended to force changes in editorial policy and stressed that public advertising funds should not be used to silence dissenting voices.

The Pakistan Broadcasters Association also condemned the ban, saying it had consistently opposed the use of advertising as a tool to control media and restrict free expression.

Journalist bodies demand immediate reversal

In its statement, the PBA said that at a time when misinformation is widespread on social media, the role of traditional media is even more critical, and urged the government to immediately withdraw the advertising ban in the interest of responsible journalism.

The Joint Action Committee, comprising representatives from multiple journalist bodies including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, APNS, CPNE, the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, and the PBA, also criticized the restriction. The committee said the government was using official advertising to pressure media organizations and noted that Dawn Media Group had remained a primary target of this approach. It demanded the immediate restoration of government advertising to the group’s print, television, and radio platforms.

ATTRIBUTION: Statements issued by the Council of Newspaper Editors, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Pakistan Broadcasters Association, and the Joint Action Committee