I personally think that the lack of regulation on cross-media ownership is the root of the problem.
LAHORE: This is with reference to the article “The hypocritical media” by George Fulton (September 22). I personally think that the lack of regulation on cross-media ownership is the root of the problem. This problem is further complicated by outdated libel/defamation laws. Free media is the centre-piece of developed democracies the world over. However, in the pursuance of the ratings and advertising bucks, journalistic standards/morals are cast in the bin. The (lack of) journalist oversight from within their own ranks to ensure impartiality, objectivity and uncovering of the truth is always sacrificed in favour of sensationalism.
Many people, including myself, have stopped watching news channels altogether due to the above reasons. The fear is that unless it is checked (preferably by mature and professional journalists) these media freedoms will be rolled back and a large proportion of people would support it. If it comes to this, the media will only have themselves to blame.
Waqas Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2010.
