Television in Pakistan has always been the dominant medium for accessing news but also infotainment and entertainment content. It has become the medium of choice, especially after the inclusion of private TV channels. Television is the dominant media platform in Pakistan, with more than three-fourths of adults (76.2%) watching it weekly.
The Pakistani TV industry undoubtedly has the highest power of penetration into the local audience. Now as we know, with great power comes great responsibility. The question arises whether this power is being used for constructive purposes. Are the news and shows being broadcasted helping the audience, especially the youth in a positive way and aiding in their personality development? Let's dive in a little deeper and look into this.
Well, If we look at the shows being aired in Pakistan and compare them to those being aired in other countries like the US and even India, we see a clear difference in the content and ideologies. While they have shows like Shark Tank and American's Got Talent where we see that the young talent and audience get promoted, Pakistanis are still stuck in playing games and getting free stuff in shows like Jeeto Pakistan. Even India has its own Shark Tank show where young entrepreneurs come and pitch their business ideas in hope of getting capital for their businesses. This really helps the future hustlers and entrepreneurs to get have a clearer vision and gives them the knowledge of how business models work.
Even if we look at the news channel of Pakistan, we see that there is always some bad news or just shows where the leading political parties engage in verbal fights and not in healthy debates. The news channel has a significant impact on the audience and the people believe what is shown. The news channels also need to come out of the biased political drama and give some positive news as well from time to time.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, what needs to be done is that Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) should regulate the channels better and promote more intellectually stimulating shows so that they leave a good impression on young minds and help them in their personality building.
Very well said! This is really an issue to look at. Even apart from Jeeto Pakistan that game show by Sahir Lodhi is just crap and promoting content that is useless for the future generations. This has tempted Pakistani youth to be producing below par content on mediums such as TikToks. From kids to old age, everyone is either showing off their wealth or stuck in a loop of failed love story.
If, as a nation, we need a change - it will be at the expense of what is being fed into the minds of the youth.
A great topic! I agree with you, media is a powerful tool that can be used to change culture these days. I do agree that the West has shows such as Shark Tank that encourages young entrepreneurs but they are also the force behind the Kardashians, I for one can’t keep up with it or the soul destroying reality shows that they produce. So they’ve got some improvements to make as well. When it comes to Pakistan, I agree with you, I think it’s important to use media conscientiously especially the dramas that are consumed by millions across all urban and rural areas. The content that is promoted has to be filtered as it has a real-time effect on soc…
A very valid concern since it still exits to be the biggest medium of information. However, I feel that comparing it with American audience or even across border is not the ideal way going forward. The audience here is different, and so is the socio-economic conditions. Concepts like morning shows, or Ramadan transmissions have emerged only in Pakistan which have been huge successes. Making something of our own considering the market is a better way for the future.
A very valid concern Ahmad! One of the reasons to why we do not have any prominent channels on science/innovation and business is that most people really want to see controversies, fights, and people getting embarrassed in shows. No doubt people sit hours watching Jeeto Pakistan in Ramadan only to see how bad can a person dance or how low can they go just for a bike.
Another important concern I would like to add is the control of media by "higher authorities". You will rarely ever see someone opposing these authorities on any channel. The media is told what to say and what to refrain from. The media is just a puppet of these authorities who decide what the…
yes I do agree with you on this. The audience have a direct as well as indirect impact of Media and channels in their lives. A huge number of Pakistani audience specially women are linked to the Drama serial casted on different TV channels in Pakistan.
Despite the fact that many dramas are produced each year for local television, the issue of representation in our tales persists. The stereotypical and repressive roles that women are portrayed in are a serious problem. There is a narrow line between addressing a hard topic and glamorizing immorality. It makes sense that some taboo and contentious topics need to be brought to light. But Dramas containing unethical, violent, abusive and drug promoting subjects mus…