Rape stories in Pakistan the flaws in the TV coverage : reasons and solutions

Abstract

According to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, in 2015, 423 rapes and 304 incidents of gang rapes were reported in Pakistan. It's an ongoing issue in this part of the world that needs better media coverage. But unfortunately, Pakistani media, especially the electronic media, in order to win the rat race of target rating points (TRP), leave no stone unturned to sensationalize these horrific tragedies. A series of in-depth interviews with experienced journalists from Pakistan and the U.S. reveal that earning profit is not the only reason behind unethical coverage of rape stories in Pakistan; male-dominated society and male-dominated newsrooms too are responsible. Experts believe that the Pakistani media needs to be sensitized, and journalists -- irrespective of their gender -- should be trained in such a way that they can cover rape stories with objectivity by setting themselves free from societal norms and cultural baggage.