Pakistani media is
significantly self-governing, rather in some cases it exceeds its limits, and
however, it will get matured with the passage of time. On the other hand, the
role of the government is also not fair and it should adopt a transparent policy
towards the media. Over all it is clear that the role of media is very important
in Pakistan and will work for a better change in our politics, economy, and
society. This is an era of satellite televisions, internet connectivity, and
mobile telephony. Media can help stabilize and strengthen the country by playing
educational and informative role and by imparting knowledge to the masses as
knowledge is power and only a well-informed society can develop a positive
approach towards life.
The electronic media in Pakistan has recorded tremendous growth in a limited
time period. In terms of audience both television and radio has significant
reach. It can be termed as fourth pillar of the state. The electronic media has
impact (both positive and negative) on generating public opinion on national
issues. There are serious socio-political and socio- economic distortions that
have caused fault lines in national cohesion. The media, besides the society,
has a direct linkage with the politics as well. The electronic media is an agent
of change but the direction of change depends upon the reported information. The
media has constraints and limitations, like vested interests, corruption,
political motives and monetary gains. Because of lack of objectivity in its
activities the creditability of media is sometime questioned. The media
reporting is also scandalous and unrealistic to define an issue, this aspect of
media needs improvement. The main point of this argument is that electronic
media is not the master of events because of its structural constraints;
therefore, the myth of powerful electronic media is not true. The electronic
media is striving hard to become an effective pillar of statecraft. The
electronic media is to provide, not to create and media is playing this role to
a great extent.