Sensationalism: The Pakistani Version

Sensationalism: The Pakistani Version

30 Killed in Violent outbursts, Bomb Blast kills 59, firing in Lyari such are the highlights of our Day in Metropolis.

To clearly explain my point I will borrow the words of Tazeen an avid blogger she writes in her text called:

“INTEGRITY BE DAMNED”

“….the other day after the bomb blast in Darra Adam Khel, the newscaster asked the reporter if there are any more deaths and his exact words were, “apkay khiyal main aur kitnee amwaat hue hain?” when the reporter said they have just taken 20 people inside the hospital, the newscaster said, “yani ke mazeed 20 amwat ka khadsha hai.” (That 20 more people may die.)

Pakistani news media is all about sensationalism and news creation these days. Gone are they days when news was properly screened and people would focus on reporting the events as they unfold rather than looking for sensational little bits and creating news for increased viewer ship. Now, it’s all about ratings and getting multinational sponsorship for the news, just rake in the moolah, authenticity and integrity is damned”.

Moving forward from this point I will discuss an interesting case of media sensationalism in Pakistan.

Snowfall in Karachi: Sun News Exclusive Report

During the winter chill this year when average temperatures dropped to 3° Centigrade here in Karachi, I was channel surfing and to my amazement I came across a news ticker on a local news channel called SUN TV that read something like, Snow fall in Karachi in next few days predictions by representative of Pakistan Meteorological Department.

I was shocked, for a moment as my mind wandered what would I do if such an event was to occur? What kind of warm clothes I may need? Where am I going to get a heater from? Will University classes commence? Then a thought came to my mind I immediately went online and checked the Pakistan Meteorological Department website (http://www.pakmet.com.pk/).

There was no mention of Snowfall they just informed that the cold wave will persist for next few days.

This raises the question what are news people doing do they even verify the integrity of news they are transmitting or publishing, such a news might have increased their ratings but this kind of a sensationalist news can have a damaging impact on the credibility of the news.

I am completely convinced that this channel is run by people just interested in earning money; they don’t have a sense of morality or social welfare, they thrive on sensationalist news and to be candid their source in the Met department must be a janitor.