Presented By: Syed Hamza Abbas Jaffry (06)

BS 5th Semester (2012-2016)

What is sensationalism? Dog bites Man. This is old news. We already know

the outcome. Man bites Dog. This is sensationalism: it immediately stirs the listener’s mind and is the cause for great hype.

The dramatic background music, images of clashes between security officials and civilians, and riots all form a part of sensationalism, enticing the viewer to turn on the television set.

Whatever the truth, does not matter, television is selling, making money and that is the true motive.

Media Sensationalism is defined as the style of reporting news to public which involves use of fear, anger, excitement and crude thrill undertake by the media to increase the viewership ,ratings and lastly profits.

Sensationalism is so deeply embedded with all the channels that the distinction between accurate and inaccurate news has completely vanished.

News about their breakups, relationships ,anger problems or be it any private matter is instantly shown and splashed in all the channel of communication.

On the other hand the growing trend in broadcast media for attracting anchors on heavy remunerations, anchors who possess skills of creating sensationalism and who spice news with hypothesis, is an example of how media channels are departing from objectivity and balanced reporting.

Example of Sahir Lodhi

Furthermore, the frequent switching of anchors from one channel to another mainly for economic gains in utter disregard of the basic ethos of the journalistic profession also supports the argument that broadcast media in Pakistan is headed for over-commercialization.

These channels sometimes most of the time have been guilty of over-doing things with their moment-by-moment commentary. Give them some time (a decade at least!), they’ll mature over time.

Controversial Shocking Attention grabbing Published to attract readers, regardless of

whether the information is accurate or informative

Failing to explain the broader issues behind the story while focusing on superficial details

The most recent was a case where the mother was acquitted for the child murder by the Court.

But media channel already etched her as a murderer in our minds making her life a hell in our society.

I don’t think anybody would ever believe her side of story and even though she was found not guilty , papers and news telecaster had already crucified her as a devil in disguise.

Similar, last year it was the swine flu craze which had seen most of the office having low attendance, schools being empty and roads bearing a deserted look.

The report was true but it was escalated by the media to such a height that even if somebody sniffed we were rushing to the doctor clinic.

Same situation occurred in 2011 in Pakistan.

Malala’s issue and our portrayal to the world as an insecure country

Karachi Jal Raha Hai Karachi Qatilon K

Hawale Shehr-e-Quaid Amn ko

Taras Geya

Coverage of Media on Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza It’s common in the west but our media covered them as it

was a national issue

Killing of two Brothers Mughees and Muneeb in Sialkot

Christian Couple Burnt Alive in Kasur

Is Pakistan Insecure for Minorities?

Sensationalism is one of the most useful tools for propaganda for your goals

National Media of various countries based on this.

For Example India;

Situation in Pakistan is not different from others

An editorial in The Nation of 27th May, 2012 includes misleading and sensationalistic claims about dual nationals.

The piece titled ‘Foreign Nationality’ claims that: “while the UK allows dual nationality, the USA does not”

This is incorrect. Research revealed that the US allows dual

nationality and does not require anyone to rescind any previous citizenship.

Also they would just cut anybody, a politician would be there talking and they will cut him in the middle saying:

“Bohat Bohat Shukriya app ka” During the Lal masjid episode she even once said

to DG ISPR:“app qaum ko koi pegham denachahin ge”He said:

“BB main yahan apni duty de raha hoon, qaum ko pegham dene nahin aya”

The claim of “Sub Se Pehley” has started a mad race.

The private channels are owned by big investors with a purpose to enhance business.

They have to afford massive expenses, so, competition to excel others makes them irresponsible.

In order to attract more view ship and resultantly more commercials-they even sometimes forget the damage caused to national interest.

A bold and blunt anchor person undermines the set standards.

A survey, in 2011, revealed that around 91% respondents believed that media in Pakistan was more about sensationalism than reporting facts, to which I partially be of the same mind.

In those days, stories on topics were liked as below Memogate (A burning question in those days) President Asif Ali Zardari (A character of Memogate) ISI and Army (Because these were opposite party in this case) Judiciary (Judiciary was hearing memogate) Imran Khan (For his first Jalsa at Minar-e-Pakistan on 30th October,

2011) Veena Malik (Veena due to his Controversial Photo-shoot against ISI)

One will get wonder to know that hardly any news website will include economy related news in their lists.

The solution to avoid sensationalism in media lies in limiting media exposure and choosing what to watch.

News sources often bombard you with the same negative stories over again .

Sometimes, small incidents or events in the lives of celebrities and politicians are hyped, in order to make them more sensational.

Instead, watch good programs that carry healthy content, engage in positive activities and encourage other to do the same.

Thank You!