The media of Pakistan: Fostering inclusion in a fragile democracy? Policy Briefing No. 9
This briefing shows how a changing media landscape is giving voice to populations historically excluded from the public sphere public sphere
Abstract
The 2013 elections provided the people of Pakistan with an all-too-rare opportunity to shape their own destiny. Politics, economics and society are changing rapidly in Pakistan, and with them the prospects for development of the country. A media that has been transformed in a little over a decade has constituted a major part of this change.
This briefing shows how a changing media landscape in Pakistan is increasingly giving voice to populations historically excluded from the public sphere, even amid ongoing political, security and economic constraints.
Conclusions
• The proliferation of independent, privately-owned broadcast media outlets has been a crucial part of Pakistan’s democratic transition.
• Regional media and social media, in particular, have allowed for far greater representation and inclusion.
• But the media remains vulnerable to political influence, security threats and a limited financial base
Citation
Yusuf, H.; Schoemake, E. The media of Pakistan: Fostering inclusion in a fragile democracy? Policy Briefing No. 9. BBC Media Action, London, UK (2013) 32 pp.