No realization of Pakistani journalists working in war zone: veteran editor

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 11 years ago

Senior editor Muhammad Ziauddin emphasized the lack of awareness of the perilous conditions faced by journalists in Pakistan. He argues that media owners and editors must take greater responsibility for journalist safety and editorial choices.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: A senior editor says there is no realization among owners of media houses and editors that Pakistani journalists operate out of a war zone.

Muhammad Ziauddin, Executive Editor of The Express Tribune was speaking in Matiullah Jan's program Apna Apna Gareban on Waqt News Saturday. "Pakistan has become a war zone but neither the owners nor the editors have been able to understand this and that is why so many journalists have been killed."

Further explaining his point, he said there should be a news desk checklist. "Editors must see if a reporter is filing from such and such place, should he be given a byline; usage of certain words like 'terrorist' in a reporter's copy etc. These are things an editor has to take care of given the dangerous situation for journalists in Pakistan."

Zaiuddin, a former Dawn editor said Pakistani television channels had done two dangerous things since the electronic media began gaining strength. "Knowingly, we have glorified terrorism and virtually handed the editorial policy in the hands of mullahs.

"The managers at some of the bigger channels do not understand that religious fanatics, if they have come out on the roads against Geo Television today, they could do the same against other channels tomorrow," he said.

KEY POINTS:

• Muhammad Ziauddin asserts Pakistan is operating as a war zone for journalists.
• Editors need to implement a checklist for reporters' safety.
• Media owners are failing to recognize the dangers faced by journalists.
• Violent backlash against channels could target others beyond Geo Television.
• Editorial policies have been influenced by extremist ideologies.