Media Literacy Policy in Pakistan

Abstract

Media literacy is a multidisciplinary narrative which has been defined differently by different scholars and researchers. Over the time, it has been explicated in many ways and incorporated distinct techniques. Media literacy is not something bizarre rather its multifarious and diversified in nature. Since the early 19th century, the debate of media literacy started in different parts of the wold and the prime focus was print literacy and film literacy. In contemporary era, new ICTs have transformed the whole landscape of media and communication around the globe. The access to internet is much easier than ever before. McLuhan’s global village is well connected and taking both social and professional life to cyber space. Advancement in communication technology is changing learning patterns too. Intentionally and unintentionally, we are exposed to excessive information online. On one hand, cyber crimes, cyber bullying, online gambling, internet pornography and violent video games are effecting the internet users. On the other hand, media manipulation, fake news, propaganda, privacy, online harassment, security and data mining are some other challenges of this domain. Traditional pedagogy is lacking in creating critical thinking and democratization of education system to meet the goals of today’s media mediated world. That leads to the need of media literacy. Critical media literacy can help to bring educational and social reforms. This study focus on media literacy policy for Pakistan. A media literacy policy for Pakistan could stimulate other South Asian and developing countries to take a step. As far as Pakistan is concern, media is not just watch dog rather act as a third party in almost all affairs. The constitution of Pakistan gives right to information, right to education and freedom of expression but practically, how far it’s true is also discussed. Pakistani media and education system both are reviewed. For data collection, in-depth interview method has been used. For that educationists, media practitioners and media teachers were contacted. It emphasizes that critical media literacy can enable both adults and kids to decode media messages rightly, no matter if it’s conventional or new media. This study identifies the need of media literacy policy in Pakistan as well as purposes the basic framework for such a policy.