The 112th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) discussed the role of media during the crises like COVID-19.
The first guest on show, Mr. Kashif Uddin, Senior Journalist, Daily Aaeen, Peshawar, opined that media has doubtlessly a great potential to influence the masses, promote certain narratives or even carve-out new narratives. Given such a significant impact means a huge public service responsibility on it; especially during the times of crises, for participatory, responsible and community focused programming. Only by resorting to credible information sources and undertaking conflict conscious programming, can it address the misconceptions detrimental to the broader public interest. Media personnel should also be trained for responsible, participatory and conflict conscious programming during the crises and otherwise. This way, they can serve in the best interest of their target audience and better cater to the issues of communal concern.
The second guest on show, Ms. Muska Safi, Ulasi Taroon Alumna, and a journalist by profession, noted that the citizens should also critically evaluate the information reaching them from sundry media platforms; especially social media and avoid further propagating information received from inauthentic sources. Irresponsible journalism and citizenship during the crisis like COVID-19 only leads to chaos.
The third guest on show Dr. Faizullah Jan, Chairman, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Peshawar, said that across the world, role of media becomes ever more important during the emergency situations especially when rumors are active. That is the time when the media can intervene and rise to the challenge of authentic information programming; cognizant of the sensitivities, while onboarding the experts and other credible voices.
Media organizations must have a code of conduct and ensure its due compliance in letter and spirit, while the educational institutions should orient the aspiring journalists with tenets of ethical journalism.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.