Speakers at a seminar on Tuesday urged media to make sure implementation of media ethics, end sensationalism in news, and give solution to the social issues of a common man instead of focusing on crime and politics only.
The speakers were addressing a seminar on media ethics organised by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Press Council of Pakistan.
Press Council of Pakistan Chairman Shafqat Abbasi chaired the seminar. Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, UAF, Ms Aayesha Ikram, Director Media HEC, Dr Mughees-ud-din Shaikh, former Dean and Director, Institute of Communication Studies, PU Lahore, and journalist Shamus Islam Naz were guests of honour on the occasion.
Shafqat Abbasi said self-regulation within the media organisations must be developed to keep a check on the media ethics and ensure dissemination of real public issues. He said the press councils were functioning in 90 countries across the globe. By involving the journalists, civil society, members of parliament and others, we are determined to make the Press Council of Pakistan more effective in order to implement the media ethics and frame a course of action.
Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan stressed the need to avoid sensationalism. Uses and gratification process should have the truth, accuracy and reality in news, information and cultural goods. He lauded the efforts of the journalists to highlight the issue of the county and spread awareness about various issues of national interest. He said that UAF was launching the FM radio to guide the farming community about the latest agricultural practices of the country.
Ayesha Ikram said no one could deny the importance of media as it had the power to change the minds and presenting the real picture and the truth. “Media is doing tremendous job to give voice to issues of a common man. It has the power to change the public opinion and this power must be used for social changes, social mobilisation, awareness and give a roadmap to the progress of the nation,” she added.
Dr Mughees said it is very vital to prioritise the socio political health of public through credible and newsworthy information and positive entertainment. Shamsul Islam Naz said by trying to be the first in delivering the news and for being popular among the public, the media should not compromise the ethical values. Dr Jalal Arif, Principal Officer, Public Relations, UAF, also spoke on the occasion.
