Journalism has been a respected profession because it informs the public and keeps society aware and accountable. In Pakistan, many students study media and mass communication with the aim of becoming trained journalists. They learn reporting skills, professional ethics and the responsibilities that come with a job in media. However, in recent years, a new trend has become common. People with no background in journalism have entered the profession. Anyone can now hold a mic, use a mobile phone and start ‘reporting’ without understanding the basic principles of journalism.
This has created confusion and has damaged the credibility of journalism. Untrained ‘reporting’ often leads to misinformation, sensational content and irresponsible behaviour. Many of these new self-claimed reporters focus on ‘views’ and ‘likes’ instead of facts. As a result, the public has started criticising journalism as a whole even though many qualified journalists are working professionally.
To protect the value of journalism, media organisations and authorities must encourage proper training and responsible hiring. Social media has given everyone a platform, but it should not replace real journalism. When professionalism disappears, public trust weakens and society suffers from an overload of misleading information. Pakistan needs to restore the standards of journalism so that the field remains respected.
MUHAMMAD ANFAL
ISLAMABAD
