The Problems with Untrained Reporters

 

Today, many people with microphones and cameras act like they are real Journalists, even though they don’t have any educational background in the media. For example, when someone is accused of a crime, they are not guilty until the court decides. But some reporters, like Yousaf Jan Utmanzai, talk about these people as if they are already guilty. This hurts the person’s reputation deeply. If that person is later found innocent, the damage is already done, and cannot be recovered. This style of reporting is unethical and harmful not only to Journalism's credibility but to that victim as well, who has to face the harsh judgement of the society later on.

Another big problem with these “mic reporters” is that they mostly portray negative stories about Pukhtuns, which gives viewers the wrong idea about the community. They highlight rare incidents or problems and make it look like they are common. This makes others believe these stereotypes about Pukhtuns.

These reporters often say that they are promoting Pukhtun culture. They show Pukhtun music, clothes, and dances as if that’s the full culture. But where were they when the Grand Jirga was held by the Pukhtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in the Khyber region? Important issues about Pukhtun rights and problems were discussed there, but these “promoters” were missing. If they truly cared about Pukhtun culture, wouldn’t they cover these important events too?

Because of these people, the public now thinks all Journalists are like them. They create a bad impression of what Journalists do. Most of these so-called reporters have no training, but they act as if they represent Journalism. This makes people believe that Journalism is only about sensational stories and harmful reporting. It’s unfair to real Journalism students who are working hard to learn the right skills and ethics. Instead of showing the real value of Journalism, these untrained people are damaging its image.

Personal Insights / Syed Azam Ali Shah