FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN PAKISTAN: TV NEWS JOURNALISTS’ PERSPECTIVE ON SOCIO-POLITICAL ISSUES

Abstract

The study aimed to explore TV News Journalists’ perspectives regarding freedom of expression and social responsibility in Pakistan and how these journalists practice it in their profession. Moreover, factors influencing these practices were also inquired. Employing an exploratory research design, 10 semi-structured interviews with TV News Journalists were conducted. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed that TV News Journalists are well aware of the role of freedom of expression and social responsibility in coverage of socio-political issues. In the present situation, they are unable to practice journalism with responsibility as News Channels compete with TRP and Breaking News. Authentication of news suffers in this context. Journalists are unable to practice their freedom of expression and social responsibility as they cannot go against organizational policies. It seems as if they are doing jobs only without fulfilling their journalistic responsibilities in true spirit. They face certain pressures while covering socio-political issues. These pressures are organizational policies, political parties, religious groups, personal political and religious affiliations and the financial status of Journalists. Government and state institutions also try to influence the freedom of expression and social responsibility of media. Resultantly the objectivity of News content gets compromised. PEMRA established to regulate the electronic media, appeared to be failed in doing so. Compromised freedom of expression and social responsibility is becoming a source of political polarization in society. Keywords: Freedom of Expression, Social Responsibility, Pakistani Media, PEMRA, Journalistic Perspectives and Practices