AMCAP Journal of Media and Communication Studies - Lahore

Journal of Media and Communication Studies

Association of Media and Communication Academic Professionals (AMCAP)
ISSN (online): 2789-9756

Perception of Journalist about Freedom of Expression in News Media of Pakistan

  • Namrah Shariq/
  • Ushba Ismail/
  • July 10, 2022
Keywords
Freedom of Expression, Television News Media, Journalists, Hierarchy of Influences.
Abstract

The right to free expression is the well-protected and contested constitutional right in the world. The purpose of this research is to discover how journalists in Pakistan's television news sector see freedom of expression. The aim of this study is to determine how internal and external forces affect journalists' freedom to express themselves. To reach the study's goal, a qualitative research approach was utilized with purposive sample of ten Rawalpindi/Islamabad-based journalists working in television news media. In-depth interviews with journalists were conducted to collect data, which was then analysed using the theoretical framework of the Theory of Free Speech and the Hierarchy of Influences model. The research revealed that journalistic attitudes of freedom of expression vary depending on their job experience and media organisation rankings in Pakistan's news media. Those in positions of power are indifferent about external influences and see freedom of speech as a type of face-saving jargon, yet their "freedom after expression" is under attack from a number of sources. Lower-level journalists, on the other hand, are aware of their right to freedom of expression, but they excuse any restrictions or blockages to it. Journalists with less experience are less powerful and are restrained by their weaknesses, job uncertainty, and the fear of death for themselves and their families. As a result, they justify any law or policy imposed on them and do not feel that the consequences limit their freedom of expression.

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Author(s):

Program Officer, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Islamabad

Pakistan

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Communication & Media Studies, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi

Pakistan

Details:

Type: Article
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Language: English
Id: 62ffdcb17e721
Published July 10, 2022

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