Seminar on ethics, ownership and media policy
Media must promote our youth rather than glamour and
consumerism, says Abid H K Shirwani
The School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSS&H) invited Habib Akram, anchor person, Dunya TV, and
Mian Saif-ur-Rehman, retired editor reporting, The News, Lahore, as guest speakers in a seminar on ethics, ownership
and media policy on October 18, 2012. Habib Akram said that the media is generally accused of spreading
anarchy in society but the reality is totally different. The Pakistani media is actually playing its role as watchdog of
society. The media, he said, provides platform to all who claim that they have potential to prove something; sometimes
it is worth the effort and sometimes media gets nothing.
Mian Saif-ur-Rehman, former editor reporting, The News, Habib Akram, anchor, Dunya TV,
Dr Abdul Hameed, Dean SSS&H, and Abid H K Shirwani at the seminar
Mian Saif-ur-Rehman said that the media faces economic problems and sometimes the complete truth does not
come out because of that; however, most of the time the truth does come out. He said that journalism, like any
other profession, has its challenges but if you move in right direction, no one can use you as a tool.
Abid H K Shirwani, Director External Affairs, UMT, said that the media must promote the talent of Pakistani
youth at national and international levels rather than
showcase glamour which is a tool to sell products.
He said that it is very unfortunate that in spite of the
potential of Pakistani youth, the media is not providing
them an adequate platform which is unethical.
Dr Abdul Hameed, Dean, SSS&H, concluded by saying
that that media professionals should not only
keep national interest at the forefront but should also
try to stop negative perception and controversial stories
about Pakistan. Media professionals must have
clear policy guidelines and never sell their loyalty at
any cost. He added that it is the media's responsibility
to authenticate all news prior to publishing. He
advised the students to reflect pride in their identity
through their mindset and behavior.
Attendees of the seminar on media ethics, ownership
and policy listen to the proceedings
14 U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N A G E M E N T A N D T E C H N O L O G Y