Fear, Fair, or Favor? How Senior Journalists Practice Self-Censorship, A Study of Top News Channels in Pakistan

Abstract

The study investigates the reasons and factors behind self-censorship in Pakistani news channels. The study examines the reasons why and where journalists practice self-censorship due to fear where the censorship is the result of potential favors and where the editorial judgments for self -censorship are professional or fair in nature. The method of inquiry was qualitative. The Researcher conducted semi-statured interviews of thirty senior journalists from the top five news channels of Pakistan. The propaganda model and hierarchical influences model provides the theoretic guideline for the study. The results of the study show that job loss, life threats, family security are the fears factors behind self-censorship; personal belongings, afflictions, and financial benefits are the favors that lead the journalists to practice self-censorship. Findings also indicate that Journalists practice self-censorships in professional ways to avoid conflicts in the society.