Role of media in nation development

Media convergence has opened new avenues for reaching out and raising voices. Media in Pakistan has a turbulent history since independence however, it has not only survived the trials and tribulation of time but has managed to secure a respectable position in the society. 

According to a report by International Media Support, “The Pakistani media landscape reflects a multi-linguistic, multi-ethnic and class-divided society. There is a clear divide between Urdu and English media. Urdu media, particularly the newspapers, are widely read by the masses – mostly in rural areas. The English media is urban and elite-centric, is more liberal and professional compared to the Urdu media. English print, television and radio channels have far smaller audiences than their Urdu counterparts, but have greater leverage among opinion makers, politicians, the business community, and the upper strata of society”.

The people of Gilgit Baltistan mainly depended on the mainstream print media until the late 70s when indigenous print media made its debut and became a ray of hope for the underprivileged and depressed people living in these beautiful mountains not just as citizens of Pakistan but as silent defenders of its borders. The role of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation cannot be denied in the development of GB which established its radio stations in Gilgit and Baltistan in the late 70s.

The liberalization of media in GB is obvious given the fact that today we have access to above 15 dailies and weeklies, a number of magazines, blogs, and online papers originating from Gilgit and Baltistan. A breakthrough in community media was recently made by KPN in the shape of FM radio which has become popular among listeners especially the youth. Cables in major cities and towns have also gained importance. Unfortunately, we feel the absence of an indigenous TV station but we are hopeful that in the near future, that will be no more a dream. Internet and mobile technology is permeating in our society at an unimaginable speed.

To put in a nutshell, this is a huge progress and we consider all this as a great strength for the society as a whole. However, there are some caveats which need to be kept in mind i.e.  

1.      In the competition for economic gains, we may tend to move from quality journalism to sensationalism

2.      In the process of digitizing our society for the sake of outreach, we may tend to exclude other segments of society hence the concept of digital divide… what could be the alternative solutions?

3.      How do we see the role of media in development of the society as opposed to creating hype and making further divisions

4.      In a democratic society, will media be the voice of unheard and unprivileged or still it will encourage the spiral of silence—hence strengthening certain voices at the cost of others

5.       How can we use media to bring peace, prosperity, good governance, pluralism, common thinking and above all rational and intellectual thinking instead of emotionalism, favoritism, cynicism and sense of insecurity? And many more……

Lets us use media to its best for building a nation that is strong in terms of institutions, systems, laws, internal security and external relations.  

 

Sultan Ahmed, Assistant Professor,

Department of Media and Communication, KIU

 Note: Presented during an interactive session with journalists from Lahore representing Lahore Education Reporting Association (LERA) at KIU on May 27, 2011

FM is getting popular amongst youth in Gilgit

The above question was sent to 50 individuals in Gilgit out of whom 32 replied. The following graph shows their response:

Sultan Ahmed- Gilgit May 18, 2011

I have a dream for GB

The history of Gilgit Baltistan has been turbulent especially in terms of leadership and legal rights. Despite the fact that GB is rich in natural beauty and resources, we have been kept deprived of our basic rights. Let us make a pledge to bring happiness, prosperity and above all peace to the region. It is said that after dusk there is a dawn; and I am sure to say that it should be our dawn. We can only bring a ray of hope for the local people if the talented and educated youth is allowed to enter in politics. Let us define for all of us what politics is? It is not telling lies, it is not deception, it is not corruption; but if done honestly, it is one of the most important duties of serving humanity through visionary leadership and dedicated services. 

When it comes to vision, let me bring to lime light what my vision is. I have a dream to bring this society at par with international communities in terms of social services and thriving economy without damaging the values and customs of our culture. We have diverse cultural heritage and that needs to be capitalized on. To begin with, we need to strengthen the only cradle of learning and knowledge in GB i.e. Karakoram International University. We have to make it a place which spreads fragrance of knowledge, fraternity, mutual trust, brotherhood, tolerance, respect for other languages, cultures, communities of interpretation and above all – humanity.

The politicians are not masters rather they are the voices of common people. It is time when the government institutions should come to people and ask about their needs, demands, and aspirations whilst developing long terms plans in a participatory manner. Each government office should be available for any of us- where we can enter and share our problems instead of blasting those offices. We should get help from the government officials instead of beating them and killing them.

I would like to see this society as an egalitarian one which promotes justice and equality. No one's rights would be snatched by anyone but if someone tries to grab one's right, he/she will be brought to justice.  We need to remember that media is our voice and it can be so strong if we lend it our best support. No one would be allowed to abuse media for personal gains. Neither a media person nor industry will be allowed to play with the rights of those who are unheard. Let us support a fair and transparent media. Let us protect the rights of women and underprivileged people in the best possible way.

I see GB as one of the best destinations for visitors from all over the world and let us make it the safest place on earth. We can do so if we really mean to do. Let us respect the soil and in return we will get much more ahead beyond our imagination and expectations. Let us have dreams for our soil and join hands together to turn those dreams into reality.