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RESEARCH PROSAL
“POLITICAL BIASNESS OF MEDIA PERCEPTION OR REALITY: A
CASE-STUDY OF PAKISTAN
SUBMITTED BY:
AMNA NADEEM
210413
RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES
SUBMITTED TO:
DR. ZAHID MEHMOOD
BS-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
AIR UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD
11. DECEMBER. 2023
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 3
LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................................................. 3
GAP IN LITERATURE............................................................................................................... 5
SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY ..................................................................................................... 6
PROBLEM STATEMENT .......................................................................................................... 6
RESEARCH QUESTIONS.......................................................................................................... 6
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Political Economy Theory of Mass Media .......................... 7
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................... 7
METHODS AND METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................... 7
HYPOTHESIS ............................................................................................................................. 8
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY .......................................................................................... 9
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................ 9
References .................................................................................................................................. 11
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INTRODUCTION
The political biasness of media has not only impacted journalists but also the viewers. It is not
merely a perception but a stark reality that poses significant challenges to society. Viewers may
develop specific mindsets when exposed to news that contradicts their interests, potentially causing
adverse effects. The media holds substantial influence over public inclinations and opinions, playing
a pivotal role in shaping voters' decisions and influencing policy outcomes in democratic societies.
Journalism is considered the lifeblood of democracy, facilitating informed and reasoned citizen
participation.
Moreover, journalism has traditionally functioned as a watchdog, monitoring government actions on
behalf of citizens. This ideal is built on people's trust in journalists who are expected to set aside
personal political opinions and deliver unbiased news articles, adhering to the principles of
"objectivity," "fairness," and the "clear separation of information and opinion". The impact of media
bias hinges on how audiences process content. In today's sensible environment, aware audiences can
filter out bias, reducing the impact of reporting errors on voter beliefs.
While existing media bias research primarily examines implications for content, it is crucial to
recognize that bias extends beyond the material itself. Media bias significantly influences recipients'
political interest, knowledge, attitudes, and even voting choices. This study aims to spotlight the
pervasive political biasness in media, emphasizing instances where journalists are removed from
shows due to their alignment with a particular political party. The research recognizes the
constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression and free speech under the Constitution of Pakistan
1973, but also acknowledges the limitations imposed on these rights.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Many researches have been conducted with regard to media and its biasness and how the political
situation impacts the media along with the freedom of expression. (Wagner 2015) Eberl and
Boomgaarden in their research paper highlighted the aspect of biasness in political news coverage
political news coverage and how it influences the voters. Furthermore, the authors have also talked
about the political actors creating negative impact on people. Moreover, the authors further talk
about bias news reporting and types of media biasness which include visibility, Tonality and agenda
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and how the agenda of different political parties are portrayed by various news channels. Lastly, the
authors did not mention about the freedom of expression with the regard to media or whether the
media has the freedom to report unbiased news and stay neutral, this will be part of this research
paper.
Media in democracy is considered the fourth pilar of a state that has the tendency to shape the public
opinion and bears the responsibility to inform people in in the most impartial manner, so they could
choose what they decide best for them while practicing democracy. Democracy is undermined when
agenda of few influential people that wield financial power is served by marginalizing the reality.
(Hassan 2014) Media acts as an invisible hand to guide the voters’ political journey as they highlight
specific issues, frame political events and crafts different images for potential representatives.
(Rahman 2019). In democratic societies media also responsible to scrutinize the success and failures
of the government, candidates and electoral bodies (Rahman 2019). Hence, if media steps back from
its responsibility, maintaining democracy in a state may be crucial.
People's faith in journalists is founded on the expectation that they will set their political opinions
aside and produce unbiased news articles in accordance with the ideals of "objectivity," "fairness,"
and "clear separation of information and opinion. (Zúñiga 2016). Therefore, it is to ensure that public
has access to information and their fundamental right is protected .
Now, moving forward to the freedom of expression in Pakistan. The development of freedom of
expression in Pakistan is subject to certain laws such as PEMERA Act and we have seen the history
of Pakistan that how it is littered with prohibitions on media which effected the national interest.
(Parveen 2020) The right of freedom of expression is protected under the article 19 of the
constitution of Pakistan, yet the concept of freedom is still a controversial concept in Pakistan . The
practical implementation of this right within Pakistan's media landscape remains contentious,
marked by tensions between constitutional guarantees, state restrictions, and societal pressures.
Pakistan journalists may at some instances have the freedom to be critical about the government but
the media still at all cost has to face repression by military, intelligence agencies, politicians and
judiciary if critical about them. (Naveed 2013)
Both the civilian and military authorities in Pakistan constrain the media freedom - they face
interference with distribution and broadcast, removal of government advertisements, ban on certain
anchors, physical attacks, and abduction of journalists. i.e, the suspension of ARY News channel off
the air in August 2022, after the broadcasting of critical remarks of PTI official against the military
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(Freedom House 2023). Pakistan ranks in the top ten of the states which lack the investigations and
prosecutions for murders and violence against the journalists. (Committe to protect Journalists 2018)
Out of 85 journalists who were targeted and killed in the last 16 years, there have been convictions
in only 4 cases. (2018)
Sometimes the freedom of speech of media is constrained but there are many instances when the
freedom of speech is ridiculed by media outlets and journalists by themselves to win the commercial
race fighting for rating by creating sensational rating, or to fill their pockets by supporting certain
political party. And easily escape scrutiny by forming alliances with financially and politically
powerful parties (Sadaf Liaquat 2016). Independent media outlets are mainly dependent on
governmental advertisements and fundings, subsequently influencing the editorial policies of media
outlet (Reporters without borders 2023). Media outlets political associations and affiliations are
reflected clearly in their reporting and critical analysis as well as in the disproportionality of
coverage, time, and the opportunity given to officials of different political parties on controversial
matters- favorite incompetent representative from favorite party is opted to be aired. They analyze,
frame and portray issues according to the manifesto of their preferred party. (Mehmood 2021).
However, in todays digitalized and sensible environment people are well aware of the fact that media
outlets are not performing their ethical duties and responsibilities properly, as their main objective
has been dismantled from spreading the reality towards profit-making. (Ali 2021).
Journalist are generally free to do everything. They are free to conduct their research on any subject
using whatever legitimate means available to them but it comes to political coverage of news the
rights of journalists are curtailed (Baumbach 2016). But on the other hand, Pakistani journalists face
life threats and dangers, furthermore faces political biasness which resulted into murder or
abduction. According to many researches journalist cannot practice their profession without self-
censorship due to the pressures by different powerful authorities. They are coerced to choose
alternate ways to practice their duties as they fear losing their job and life (Tariq 2021). Despite
rising violence against journalists in Pakistan, there are few reporters and anchors who are working
and they have shed light on journalist safety (Jamil 2019).
GAP IN LITERATURE
1. Neglect of Political Actors' Influence in Pakistan:
While literature illuminates the influence of political actors on media bias, there is a noticeable gap in
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understanding the intricate relationship within the specific socio-political dynamics of Pakistan.
2. Lack of Exploration on Journalist Safety:
The existing body of literature falls short in exploring the challenges faced by Pakistani journalists
comprehensively, particularly in terms of safety concerns, hindering a nuanced understanding of the
intersection of media bias, freedom of expression, and journalist safety.
3. Insufficient Examination of Constitutional Rights in Pakistani Context
The literature gap is evident in the insufficient examination of how media bias intersects with
constitutional rights, specifically freedom of expression, within the Pakistani socio-political
framework.
SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This research is paramount in unveiling the repercussions of political bias in Pakistani media, exposing
potential threats to freedom of expression. By systematically analyzing these dynamics, the study
offers insights crucial for safeguarding journalistic integrity, preserving democratic ideals, and guiding
media policies. Understanding these nuances becomes imperative for fostering an informed citizenry
and fortifying the pillars of a robust democracy in Pakistan.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
In the realm of Pakistani media, the issue of political bias poses a substantial challenge, permeating
beyond journalistic practices to impact viewers and the democratic fabric. This media bias not only
twists the public perception but also jeopardizes the constitutional right of freedom of expression.
The entanglement of media bias, restricted expression, and threats to journalistic safety undermines
the constitutional right to freedom expression, necessitating a comprehensive inquiry to unravel its
multifaceted implications on democratic ideals and informed citizenship.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. Whether the political biasness of media effects the constitutional right of freedom of
expression or not?
2. Why does the right of free speech is curtailed when it comes to journalist reporting
specific political situation?
3. Is there any set restriction under the Constitution of Pakistan when it comes to
freedom of expression and free speech?
4. How the idea of safe journalism can be executed without any political interference?
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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Political Economy Theory of Mass
Media
The chosen theoretical framework for this research proposal is the Political Economy Theory of Mass
Media, which provides a robust lens for understanding the intricate dynamics of political biasness in
Pakistani media. This theory posits that media structures and content are inherently influenced by the
economic and political systems within which they operate. In the context of the research topic, this
theory proves instrumental in unraveling the underlying motivations and systemic forces that
contribute to political biasness in the media landscape of Pakistan.
Rationale: Political Economy Theory emphasizes the connection between media, economics, and
politics. Pakistani media, which operates within a complex socio-political and economic enviroment,
this theory provides a comprehensive framework. The ownership structures, funding sources, and
economic dependencies of media outlets are pivotal factors influencing editorial decisions and content
framing. Political Economy Theory enables an exploration of how economic interests and political
pressures manifest in media bias, crafting the narrative and, consequently, public perception. By
adopting this framework, the research aims to uncover how economic imperatives and political
affiliations may curtail journalistic autonomy, inhibiting the media's ability to fulfill its democratic
role. Thus, the Political Economy Theory of Mass Media serves as an apt foundation for unraveling
the intricate dynamics of political biasness in the Pakistani media landscape.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the effects of political biasness of media.
2. To highlight the restrictions with regard to freedom of expression.
3. To propose recommendations that will promote safe journalism.
4. To promote news without any interference and biasness.
METHODS AND METHODOLOGY
This research adopts a qualitative research methodology to delve deeply into the intricacies of political
biasness in Pakistani media, focusing on understanding perceptions and realities within the context of
journalistic practices.
Research Design: The adoption of a case-study design is optimal for investigating the "Political
Biasness of Media Perception or Reality: A Case-Study of Pakistan." This approach facilitates a
detailed exploration of specific media outlets, enabling a nuanced examination of contextual factors
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influencing bias. It ensures empirical rigor, relevance, and a holistic understanding of the complex
dynamics within the Pakistani media landscape.
Data Collection:
1. In-Depth Interviews: Semi-structured in-depth interviews will be conducted with journalists,
editors, media owners, and relevant stakeholders. These interviews aim to elicit comprehensive
insights into the factors influencing political bias, the decision-making process in newsrooms,
and the perceived impact on journalistic practices.
2. Document Analysis: A qualitative analysis of relevant documents, such as editorial guidelines,
internal memos, and media policies, will be conducted. This method provides supplementary
information on the formal frameworks within which media outlets operate and how they shape
content production.
Sampling: A purposive sampling strategy will be employed to select media outlets representing
diverse ownership structures, political affiliations, and audience reach. Within each selected media
outlet, key informants involved in editorial decision-making will be identified for in-depth interviews.
This targeted sampling approach ensures a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of political
biasness across varied media contexts.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations are paramount in qualitative research. Informed
consent will be obtained from all participants, and their confidentiality will be rigorously maintained.
The research process will adhere to ethical guidelines, and participants will have the option to withdraw
from the study at any stage.
Data Analysis: Thematic analysis will be employed to identify recurrent themes and patterns within
the interview transcripts and document analysis. This qualitative approach allows for the identification
of underlying factors contributing to political bias, providing a nuanced portrayal of media dynamics
in the Pakistani context.
By employing a qualitative research methodology, this study aims to capture the lived experiences,
perspectives, and practices that define political biasness in Pakistani media. The findings will
contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between media, politics, and public
perception within the domestic sphere.
HYPOTHESIS
The presence of political bias in Pakistani media significantly diminishes exercise of the constitutional
right of freedom of expression, thereby influencing public perception and hindering the realization of safe
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journalism.
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Political Bias in Pakistani Media
• Overview of Selected Media Outlets
• Economic and Political Influences on Media
• Impact of Media Bias on Public Perception
• Challenges to Freedom of Expression
Chapter 3: Journalists' Removal and Political Affiliation
• Instances of Journalists' Removal
• Analysis of Political Affiliation
• Implications for Media Independence
Chapter 4: Freedom of Expression: Constitutional Analysis
• Constitutional Framework
• Limitations on Freedom of Expression
• Balancing Freedom and Responsibility
Chapter 5: Recommendations for Objective Journalism
• Upholding Media Independence
• Strategies for Mitigating Bias
• Safeguarding Freedom of Expression
Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Summary of Findings
• Contributions to Existing Knowledge
• Implications for Policy and Practice
• Recommendations for Future Research
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this research on the "Political Biasness of Media Perception or Reality: A Case-Study
of Pakistan" underscores the critical importance of media objectivity within the framework of
democratic principles. Every citizen, as outlined in Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan, possesses
the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. However, the erosion of media neutrality
raises concerns. While advocating for a nuanced understanding and discussion of political issues is
legitimate, it is equally imperative for the media to uphold its commitment to impartiality. The findings
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of this study shed light on the implications of political bias in media, emphasizing the need for a
balanced and unbiased media landscape. In a democratic society, the media's role as an independent
and objective informant is not just a professional duty but a societal responsibility, crucial for fostering
informed citizenry and sustaining the democratic fabric. This research serves as a call to action, urging
media practitioners, policymakers, and the public to collectively work towards preserving the integrity
of the media as a guardian of democracy.
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