Impact of Working Environment on Professional Integrity of Pakistani Journalists

Abstract

This study aims to explore Pakistani journalists' working environment and its impact on the freedom and professional autonomy of these journalists. It also highlights the limitations and difficulties faced by journalists in Pakistan while exercising their professional duties. The study employed two research methodologies: focus groups and in-depth interviews, whereas, the participants were selected using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Thirty experienced journalists from Islamabad and major cities of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were selected for five focus groups. And thirty-two (twenty-two male and twelve female journalists) were chosen for in-depth Interviews for a comprehensive understanding of their viewpoints and true insight of their positions. Results from the focus groups and in-depth Interviews showed that none of the participants were satisfied with their working environment. They also appeared to be unsatisfied with the job security and low salaries as most of the participants had faced certain threats from various pressure groups while performing their duties. The study also found that most of the journalists do not enjoy professional independence and often experience interference from owners, whereas the organizational policies also add stress to the journalists. Moreover, gender did not make any difference in the above-mentioned experiences. Both male and female journalists have had a similar experience of low salary, job security, professional independence, and protection against threats from pressure groups. The participants also denied that the media in Pakistan is entirely free and that the journalists have complete professional autonomy. Neither the Government nor the professional organizations of the journalists have any comprehensive plan for the improvement of working conditions of journalists.