The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) has conducted a two-day workshop on local information programming at Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) namely Radio Pakistan from December 28-29, 2015. The activity was a part Deutsche Welle Akademie’s “Access to Information” program in Pakistan, participated by the PBC Officials; programme and editorial staff from KP, FATA and Balochistan.
The engagement with the visiting broadcasters was an attempt to support PBC to self-dependently and sustainably provide local information programming for KP, FATA and Balochistan.
The two day event included a focus group discussion for needs-assessment vis-à-vis program production and broadcast of local information participatory programming and sensitized PBC staff about the participatory, location information, demand oriented and community focused programming.
As part of the practicum activities, each participant presented the PBC profile of their concerned areas. One way or the other, all presentations stressed upon the similar points as following:
- The flagship shows
- Community focused programs
- Stations’ footprints
- Usual feedback from the communities
- Dissemination strategies for dispensing local information
During the inter-active discussion, participants shared that it was the policy of Radio Pakistan to consider culture, religion and constitution while scheduling programs. No programs can be broadcast contradictory to religion and constitution. Being a public sector, there are certain limitations on radio. We consider the sensitivities of a local context; moderate narratives can accommodate descending views.
Two types of issues were identified and discussed during the activity/exercise of participatory programing:
- Regular/ evergreen Issues
- Health
- Education
- Environment
- Terrorism and Peacebuilding
- Social Harmony
- Corruption
- Gender discrimination
- Forest degradation
- Sectarian issues
- Price hikes
- Human trafficking
- Drugs and smuggling
- Aerial firing
- Fake medicine/products
- Conceptual issues
- Rule of law
- Equal citizenry
- Fundamental human rights
- Good governance
- Responsible citizenry
During the in house discussion, it was gauged that there was a critical linkage between the two recognized issues. Most of the evergreen issues complimented the conceptual ones.
At the end of the session, the desk appreciated the active involvement of the participants in training whereas the participants were found keen towards the contents of the training and suggested to extend the two days training to a week-long session also including the contents dealing with the subject of management skills and catering the strategic communication needs.
“Since the modern trends are emerging in the era of globalization and interdependency, such trainings are necessary for enhancing the span of awareness of local broadcasters. “
In response of the wish list of participants, Country Representative of Deutsche Welle Akademie, Mr. Asif Khan and Executive Director of CRSS, Mr. Imtiaz Gul appreciated the participants putting forward their needs through discussions and presentations.
“We are happy that we have achieved the objectives to a maximum level. We are planning to organize such trainings in coming year and their needs will be instilled in it. Contents of the trainings will be developed according to their suggestions including the topics of management skills and strategic communication”, said Khan and Gul giving their concluding remarks.