A section of the media in this country, especially private TV channels' talks show hosts described as anchors - a designation used in other countries only for senior working journalists - have been found to flouting journalistic ethics with impunity. Some have even been presenting fake news as fact to catch public attention. The latest example is that of an anchor who used a highly sensitive case, that of 7-year-old Zainab raped and murdered by a paedophile, to make the sensational claims that the key suspect in the case, Imran Ali, operated 37 bank accounts inside and outside the country with links to an international child pornography gang; and that he was backed by a federal minister and another 'prominent personality'. To lend credibility to his incredible 'scoop', he requested the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice, apparently, not realizing that his request could actually be accepted. He was called by the court, and subsequent investigations by the State Bank of Pakistan showed the suspect had no bank accounts. Following his objection to a JIT formed by the Punjab government to establish the facts, the court has now constituted a new JIT, warning the anchorperson "you cannot imagine what could be the consequences if you fail to establish your assertions." Whatever the outcome, the case can be expected to set an example for others presenting fiction as fact.

The print media has its share of yellow journalism, but the problem is more pervasive in electronic media where editorial oversight is almost non-existent. Consequently, more often than not the reporters tend to dramatize their accounts of news, and use language that betrays their personal biases. In the powerful Western media, programme producers of talk shows decide what may or may not go on air. Here it is the other way round. The anchors set their own agendas and standards of behaviour. The causality usually are the principles of responsible journalism. It is pertinent to recall here that for a long time the print media, following standard practice the world over, refrained from commenting on an under trial case as it could be seen as an attempt to influence the court and hence liable to be charged with contempt. The various court cases now having become the staple of TV talks shows, anyone and everyone is free to opine on ongoing legal proceedings.

Interestingly, in the present instance, the court invited senior media persons to hear their views. And almost all of them expressed disapproval of the confident manner in which the anchor made claims without being able to substantiate them with evidence. They also need to play a proactive role to stop others in the profession from spreading misinformation. The other stakeholders, the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, and Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, must also take cognizance of the problem and do all that is necessary to promote responsible journalism.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018