Should Media Show the Reality?

Whether media is free? This is the question that has been circulating in diverse gatherings from civil society to sociopolitical gatherings to media circles. Ironically, every one has different interpretations for the word 'Free' and the theory of 'reflection of society' (Media reflects the society) is advocated by different school of thoughts as they perceive the word 'Free' or perhaps as the word 'Free' suits them.

Pakistan Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) operates on federal level and makes media regulatory policies and makes sure that they are implemented but since media considers itself the fourth power pillar other than judiciary, legislative & executive powers, it has been observed that media in Pakistan often violates PEMRA regulations.

Both electronic and print media have been penalized for misusing their powers, or for not presenting the right picture, but this cat and mouse chase is continue from the day one. And particularly in these days of media invasion, it is an up hill task for any regularity authorities to draw boundaries around media and ensure that they play with in the field.

Apart from this the commercialization of media has brought in more flavors where TV channels particularly are looking for 'breaking news' and other exclusive stories to flag themselves supreme and ultimately be the prime selection for advertisers. Every TV channel has to show a 'breaking news' almost everyday to be catchy and have more viewership regardless of the impact it could be creating on viewers. And in this race of getting more breaking and exclusive stories they try to take lead from one another.