We hear these days that TV anchors have been bought. I have even heard that college professors too have been paid off to speak for PPP no matter what. I have no source or access to confirm this information however I doubt that it has any element of truth. Buying off anchors for what? Anchors don’t make news or concoct information. Professors’ reputation is their asset. Will they sell their lifetime achievement for a handful of money? I don’t think these two categories of professionals are merchandise for sale?
The allegation is not correct and is highly fabricated. It can be construed as an excuse before elections. It makes no sense otherwise. Let me clarify one point. Professors do not discuss or say anything on political issues in class. Referring to true statistics on economic and social matters does come under review in classes, especially in teaching business and economic subjects but commenting on reasons of poor figures and state of affair by anyone or a political party is desisted. Similarly, anchors do discuss burning issues in the country and the participants do blurt but the anchors do not side with any viewpoint. Revealing facts is part of journalism. Facts are facts. They are not created or fabricated by anchors.
AMJAD H MIRZA
Lahore
It is a grey area and very difficult to take a position. Secret Friends at the disposal of Intelligence Agencies are understandable, because they have to buy information for national security. This is universal practice. But Secret Funds at the disposal of senior functionaries of the Ministry of Information creates doubts. The Minister of Information has recently stated that there is a provision of Discretionary Funds for the Minister in the Budget. Media persons are human beings like other Pakistanis, and not angels. This is Election Time (year), and the party(ies) in power is(are) trying hard to create election winning environment in their respective domains. There is no doubt that Media has the power to influence voters' mind. PTI has the experience of this power. Shiekh Rashid, a former Information Minister, is also saying some thing interesting about secret funds. Listen to him.
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