IT is a fact that people remain glued to TV watching news channels as they get spicy stories and opinions along with heated discussions by politicians. But these news channels do not report on issues that need much attention.

Recently, a Sindh University professor was gunned down, a PIA employee was harassed by policemen for not stopping flight for IG Police, Sindh, and another policeman, who was involved in 1990 operations, was shot dead.

Big names of these talk shows clearly show ignorance of such important matters. The link between all three cases was that victims stood by the rules, performed their duties honestly, did not break the law or abused their authority.

It is the duty of these TV channels to dig down these stories like they do while reporting on politicians. If the media can get news on personal matters of these politicians, is it difficult to get updates on such cases?

AKBAR ALI KHALIQDINA
Karachi

PTV vs private media

THIS is with reference to Mir Yasir’s letter ‘Media for a better future’ (Jan 12). I agree with his point of view that there should be a balance when news stories are telecast on either national television or private channels. The media has a major responsibility in this era. Not only to inform people about stories from all around the world and enrich their thought process but also to educate them is the prime duty the media has in the world we live in.

The electronic media has taken up its roots in Pakistani journalism and there has to be its acceptance among general audience with the understanding that we have to learn from it. At the end of the day, a common man must be able to think on his own about his life in particular and other aspects in general. Objectivity is to be enhanced when people watch different news bulletins.

What PTV shows is a false picture and even a child would find out that there is much more happening in Pakistan. We simply cannot hide facts by portraying wrong image. This is also to be noted that telling half of the facts or those which are in favour
of the government is almost a crime because in a way the nation is pushed towards the dark age when the means of communication were obsolete.

Private channels have their own style of reporting. Spreading news items in a sensational way is more of today’s fashion. But the positive side is to know even minute details of every happening and to have multiple and diverse viewpoints. Now it is up
to viewers that how clever they are to choose a right floor for themselves and assess on their own the correct and incorrect versions of different news flashes.

PTV and all the private channels are more like schools for the public to teach them different aspects of life and also to keep them well informed. The media should be taken as an opportunity to civilise the common man rather than divert their attention and misguiding them.

AYSHA KHAN
Karachi

Source: Dawn