Fairness is The Leading Light of a Journalist – Dr Mugheesuddin Sheikh

Commercialization is the great obstacle to freedom of Press. It has further empowered the billionaire media owners and gagged the voice of the working journalists. The fundamental principle of journalism is that; though the pen is mightier than sword; it should not inflict unjust wounds on the innocent by publishing false allegations, charges or libel. A journalist should be armed with the power of moral values and truth. Verification of events leads to truth. A journalist is prisoner of his conscience. Come what may, he is expected to speak the truth. Defiance of unlawful authority is the second nature of a true journalist. News is the social construction of reality therefore a journalist should be faithful to cultural values and national ethos. Journalists are the vanguard of civil liberties and basic human rights. Objectivity in journalism is a myth. Fairness is the leading light of a journalist.

These views were expressed by Dr. Mugheesuddin Sheikh an eminent Professor of media and Mass Communication studies, while addressing a training workshop of journalists at the University of Gujrat. The workshop is pitched on to explore innovative skills in print journalism. Today was the second day of the workshop.

Eminent national columnist and sterling journalist Irshad Ahmed Arif from Lahore addressed the workshop which isbeing attended by more than 70 participants. He was of the view that keeping in view the latest developments in electronic media and social media, column writing is coming to forefront as the most vital ingredient of print journalism. The first and the foremost requirement of column writing is an abundant stock of knowledge of variegated subjects and a continual growth in its ever-expanding boundaries. Secondly it requires deep, experiences. It is a challenging art and usually deeply entrenched journalists take to it. Thirdly it demands a fairly good taste of language and literature. Fourthly a columnist should not be prejudicial though he has his tilt of opinion or ideology. Earlier on Director Media and Publications Sheikh Abdul Rasheed opened the workshop. He appreciated the enthusiasm shown by the working journalists of Gujrat which was a testimony of their commitment to their profession. He also stressed the significance of refreshing professional competence by acquiring innovative skills.   Dr. ZahidYousaf Head Center for Media and Communication  Studiesdwelled on the fundamental concepts of journalism and its tools of trade.

President Gujrat Press Club Waseem Ashraf Butt thanked the UOG and the honorable guest speakers for developing the professional awareness of journalistic community of Gujrat