Dependence of Editorial Independence, Influence of Economic Factors on News Channels in Pakistan

Abstract

Private news channel in Pakistan get sponsorships and commercials from state as well as from private companies to run their businesses. Selling ads may lead to sell content shaped in favor of the sponsor. This study has analyzed the influence of commercialization on editorial autonomy of broadcast journalists of Pakistan. A survey of senior journalists from top ten news channels was conducted to asnalyse perception of the professionals about the influence of commercialization on the content of news and current affairs. It is found that economic pressures restrain newsroom staff to make editorial decisions independently.

Keywords

• editorial autonomy, economy, PEMRA, news channels, broadcast journalists, invisible pressures, media responsibility, democracy, newsroom, Political