IMPORTANCE OF FREE MEDIA

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1. Introduction

2. Media and Its Types

   a. Print media
   b. Electronic media

3. Components of Freedom of Media

   No censoring of news / programmes by the government.
   No imposition of economic restraints
   No cancellation of permits/licenses, etc.
   No threats to journalists

4. Importance of Free Media

A. Importance for political sector

Ensures sustenance of democracy
Guarantees an environment of accountability
Spreads political awareness
Assists the government in decision-making
Strengthens electoral process

B. Importance for economic sector

Provides the government with the information on national and international economic trends
Assists investors in economic decision-making
Highlights mistakes and wrongdoings of the government

C. Importance for social sector

Imparts informal education
Disseminates information and knowledge
Inculcates etiquettes
Upgrades living standards
Highlights social evils
Reflects the true image of the nation
Indicates human rights violations
Provides cheap source of entertainment

1. Role of Media in Pakistan: A Case Study

   Lawyers’ Movement against Pervez Musharraf
   Restoration of judiciary
   Change of public opinion with reference to terrorists
   Privatization of Steel Mills and other units
   Sustenance of democracy
   Emergence of a third political force and 2013 election
   Changing status and role of women

2. Some Negative Impacts

   Revealing of the national secrets
   Promotion of obscenity
   Deterioration of morality
   Spread of consumerism
   Causing of mental unrest
   Deterioration of foreign relations of the state
   Damage to the image of the nation and the state

3. Causes of the Evils of Media

4. Recommendations

a) For ensuring independence of media

Enactment of laws
Public awareness campaigns
Active role of the civil society
Independent role of judiciary
Mature role of media organizations

b) For eradication of evils of media

Enactment of laws and strict implementation
Effective role of regulatory authorities
Establishment of effective mechanism within the media organizations
Devising of a consensus-based code of conduct collectively  by the media organizations
Provision of better work facilities to media personnel
Promotion of media education as an important field
Training of media personnel

TIPS FOR THE ESSAY

Start your introductory paragraphs with some beautiful and attractive sentences and then carry on the discussion; staying connected with the topic. Gradually, the discussion will be narrowed down till it reaches the thesis statement. At the end of the paragraph, do give a thesis statement describing the overall scope of the essay.
In the next paragraph, describe the types of media in a scholarly way. It is always advisable to use technical terms and phrases in order to convince the examiner of the depth of your knowledge.
In the next 2-3 paragraphs, you should be describing the components of freedom of media. In these paragraphs, you will explain what freedom of media actually is.
Next 7-8 paragraphs, spread over 5-6 pages, will contain the discussion over the importance of free media. As this part of the essay covers the main question asked in the topic, do make every possible effort to substantiate your arguments with pertinent examples and relevant data. It is advisable to collect relevant material on every expected topic well before the exam.
In the next paragraphs, you should discuss the role played by the Pakistani media, particularly in the recent decade or so. Your critique in this part of the essay should be highly professional and objective. At no point should you create the impression that you have personal liking or disliking for some individuals, media groups or politicians. Though, your examples and arguments would be factual, I advise you to avoid specific names as maximum as possible.
While giving causes, you should use media jargon to the maximum possible extent. The examiner should get a feel that you have an educational background in media studies. In the paragraphs comprising causes, the first sentence, usually, is the brief description of the cause. This description is followed by its justification in the following 3-4 sentences and that’s it. Generally, the average length of such paragraphs is 4-5 sentences.
Next to the causes, you are to give recommendations based on these causes. Here, you should try to be extremely practical and sharply focused. While recommending some measures, you should also suggest the modus operandi for their practical implementation.
In concluding paragraph, all that has been discussed in the essay is presented in a summarized way. You are, however, advised to avoid borrowing sentences from the earlier paragraphs of the essay. Whatsoever the topic might be, you should end your concluding paragraph on some positive note. More precisely, you are bound to gift the examiner some rays of hope while departing him.