The document discusses sensationalism in Pakistani media. It defines sensationalism as a style of reporting news that uses fear, anger, and excitement to increase viewership and profits rather than providing accurate information. The document argues that Pakistani media frequently focuses on superficial or sensational details of stories rather than broader issues. It provides several examples of how Pakistani media has exaggerated or misreported issues, potentially damaging national interests or people's reputations. The document concludes by suggesting limiting media exposure and choosing news sources carefully to avoid the negative effects of sensationalism.

1. Presented By:
Syed Hamza Abbas Jaffry (06)
BS 5th Semester (2012-2016)

2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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.

5.  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

6.  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.

7.  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

9.  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.

10.  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.

11.  Same situation occurred in
2011 in Pakistan.

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

13.  Karachi Jal Raha Hai
 Karachi Qatilon K
Hawale
 Shehr-e-Quaid Amn ko
Taras Geya

14.  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

15.  Killing of two Brothers Mughees and Muneeb in
Sialkot

17.  Christian Couple Burnt
Alive in Kasur
 Is Pakistan Insecure for
Minorities?

18.  Sensationalism is one of the most useful tools
for propaganda for your goals
 National Media of various countries based on
this.
 For Example India;

20.  Situation in Pakistan is not different from
others

22.  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.

23.  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.

24.  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.

25.  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.

26.  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.

27. Thank You!