Committee to ascertain minimum qualification for a new reporter

The Press Council of Pakistan has constituted a committee to ascertain as to what should be the minimum qualification for a new entrant in the field of reporting.

Four member Committee consists of Mr. Mujeeb-ur-Reham Shami, Chief Editor, Daily Pakistan, Mr. Wamiq-a-Zuberi, Editor, Daily Business Recorder, Mr. Nasir Zaidi, Head Reference and Researcher, Daily The News, and Dr. Shahjahan, Head of Mass Communication department, Peshawar University.

The Committee will consult all the stakeholders including APNS, CPNE, PFUJ, Academia and other relevant organization in this regard before submitting report for necessary steps.

In a general Complaint filed by a citizen to PCP, the Complainant has asked when doctors, Engineers or IT experts need a professional degree to start their careers then how-come  reporters working in national press be absolved of this basic requirement.

Taking an urgent note of the issue Chairman constituted a high level committee to determine what should be the minimum qualification of a press reporter working in national media.

He said role and job of reporter/journalist is very sensitive and the question whether there shall be any qualification for the entry in the profession of journalism or not is an issue of public importance. Other professions like medical, law, teaching LLB degrees as well as verification with PMDC, Bar Council is required, whereas in this profession of journalism there is no minimum qualification or standard has been prescribed, he added.

Chairman PCP was of the view that this question/issue must be considered. Registrar PCP will act as secretary to assist and support the Committee in finalizing its report in this regard. The Committee wil examine all aspects of the matter in this regard and its report/suggestion will be placed before he Council for further action.

Federal government, provincial governments and relevant institutions have been asked to extend full cooperation to the Committee. 

On Tuesday PCP Special Inquiry Committee held its meeting in Islamabad where fourteen complaints were taken up against various newspapers. The Committee decided and disposed off certain complaints while in nine complaints, the complainants did not turn up and nor fulfilled the requirements of section 10 of PCP Ordinance.

Despite reminders these complaints were dismissed from non-prosecution with the observation that the complainants may see restoration. 

PCP has also approved the establishment of its complaint cell at its secretariat in Islamabad. A telephone helpline will be available around the clock to receive general public complaints about the violation of ethical code of conduct framed by the media organizations.

A Performa has been designed to get the masses feedback with regard to performance of press and to promote standards of good practice in the press.

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Posted by Tahir Khan on Jul 31 2013. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.