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INTRODUCTION
Government-press relations developed after the independence war in 1857. Colonialists started a control of terror after the war, which resulted in change of nature of government-press relations. Earlier the press was in an developing phase and was fighting for the right of free expression. The Charter Freedom of Press was presented by Ram Mohan in 1823 against the government regulation restricting clearly freedom of the press. From the partition 1947, the government applied all means to control the press. During this time, the press-government relations had not been friendly and pleasant due to their positions.
According to Turk (1996) many studies have addressed elements of the relationship between media organizations and government. Government media relations is deserving of serious study because it sits at the interface between the executive and journalism. Herman & Chomsky (1994) identified journalists reliance on government sources for a steady, reliable, cost-effective and credible flow of news. They explained: the mass media are drawn into a symbiotic relationship with powerful sources of information by economic necessity and reciprocity of interest.
GOVERNMENT INFLUENCE
Governments try to purchase the loyalties of the powerful journalists. Big amounts are presented to journalists by government agencies. If some journalist does not agree to go along them, they threatened and warned by the government agencies and forced to change their attitude. In almost every regime, opponent writers, journalists and editors had to face a lot of problems. Among all these influences, the influence of the government as advertiser is the most effective one on media content.
The press was dependent on govt. ads due to weak private sector and overall weak economy. Influence through funds, donations, foreign trips, gifts, plots, etc. are some of the shapes of governmental bribe to influence media content. For example, in February 2004, government has invited applications from journalists to allot them plots in Islamabad and precious plots were allotted to journalists to cater the Chief Justices issue.
INFLUENCING TECHNIQUES
STOPPAGE OF ADVERTISEMENTS
Stoppage of govt ads to some newspapers seldom take place. Usually it occurs in some unusual circumstances when a newspaper decides to oppose the govt at any price, even at the price of the stoppage of govt ads. APNS condemned the pressure of PID on newspapers and also the use of newsprint quota/ ads to control the press. Press freedom is adversely affected when governments use advertising to punish critical publications.
Relationship Tools
The following tools ultimately construct the relationship between government and media: Press Releases Press Conferences Media Briefing Media Events (luncheons, a local fair) Radio, Television, Newspaper and Magazine Interviews Radio and Television Talk shows Organizations own radio or television program Meeting with Editors Letters to the Editor of the Newspaper Public Service Announcements In-house Publications, Newsletters Websites
CONCLUSION
Pakistani Government has a strong influence on media content through different techniques. Due to economic priorities and financial expenditures, newspapers have no way to ignore the advertising income. Government, usually, have no courage to tolerate criticism. Obviously, no newspaper can make a deal of economic loss. This is the reason why newspapers give more and more positive coverage to the govt. There are great concerns for the society that govt give the free hand to media industry and need the attention of working for the freedom of press.
MALIK TARIQ MAHMOOD AIOU & IIU, ISLAMABAD malik364@hotmail.com daffodileye@gmail.com 0300 97 00 423 0333 54 94 223