Challenges and Options for Pakistani Media in the 21st Century

According to Wilbur Schramm (1964) mass media should perform at least three functions in developing countries; should serve as ‘watchdogs’, ‘policymakers’, and ‘teachers’ for change and modernization. In the wake of general elections 2013 in Pakistan, media played an important role to mobilize political behavior of the masses and the result was a remarkable voters’ turn out up to 55%. However, media is facing multiple challenges for example, due to suicide bombings, target killings and deteriorating law and order situation, security of journalists is at stake which is impeding the functions of media. In 2011, Pakistan was ranked the second most dangerous country in the world for journalists by the Committee to Protect Journalists (FES, 2012, p. 6). FES1 reports on its website, “In 2011, 12 journalists were killed. The death of eight was directly linked to their work.” Decline of print media is another challenge. According to official facts and figures, newspapers and periodicals in Pakistan are decreasing day by day. In 2005 the figure was around 2000 and while it leaned to 749 in 2011. Media is obliged to look for other options. This paper reports challenges faced by media in post 2013 general elections in Pakistan and looks for options to cope with the challenges.