Natural Disasters in Pakistan and Media Coverages. A Comparative Study of Pakistani English and Urdu Newspaper.

Abstract

Pakistan is frequently facing Natural disasters in every passing year and media play a vital role in enlighten and update the public about calamities and its several impacts. This study was conducted to analyse Pakistani English and Urdu newspaper comparative coverage about Natural disaster in Pakistan. The data for this study were collected from four newspapers (The Nation, The News, Nawa-i-Waqt & Jang) during period of 8 year 2010 to 2017. A content analysis was conducted to identify the coverage frequency of articles related to two issues of Natural disaster (flood & drought) in Pakistan. The research has been accomplished under the theoretical framework of Agenda Setting Theory and Social Responsibility Theory. The study finding revealed that Pakistani Urdu newspaper gave more coverage as compare to English newspapers and it is also found that all English & Urdu press highlighted issue of flood more as compared to issue of drought. The research indicates that Pakistani newspapers play a dynamic role in making alertness about research issues of natural disaster in Pakistan. The study suggests that print media must cooperate with disaster management authorities for the betterment of early warnings system, precautionary measures, and disaster relief activities.
 Key Words: Natural disaster, Media coverages, Content analysis