Digital Journalism Sector Faces Challenges On Multiple Fronts: Study

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: “Non-legacy digital journalism outlets in Pakistan have to contend with financial sustainability issues and threats brought about by disinformation, technology practices, and internet policies in addition to the traditional risks to press freedom,” said IRADA Executive Director Aftab Alam while sharing finds of a recent research report.

Digital journalism start-ups are carving out space for public interest content, free expression, and gender inclusivity while fighting an existential battle brought about by financial issues, safety risks, misinformation/disinformation pressures, and limited resources, the study compiled by IRADA, non-profit organization based in Islamabad, reveals.

The research report titled ‘Challenges of Viability, Sustainability, and Resilience of Indie Digital Journalism,’ offers a candid look at the emerging ecosystem of independent online journalism in Pakistan at a time when the crackdown on digital rights and online freedoms has increased in step with the rise in Internet and social media use in the country.

Aftab Alam said the report offers insight on the challenges faced by digital media platforms but also relays suggestions about best practices and opportunities.

The report highlights the growing challenges to the viability and sustainability of independent digital journalism start-ups and explores how they are coping with these issues. It presents industry perspectives on the changing nature of journalism, challenges to freedom of expression, gender equality in digital media, the use of social networks for online journalism, the impact of disinformation, and the sustainability of media start-ups.

 Alam stated, “We hope the perspectives compiled in this report will inform the strategies needed by the digital journalism industry to resist and overcome these challenges.”

The study is based on interviews with Pakistani journalism practitioners, senior journalists, media freedom activists, and media experts. Respondents include Amber Rahim Shamsi, Badar Alam, Benazir Shah, Farah Zia, Farhatullah Babar, Hamid Mir, Haroon Rashid, Matiullah Jan, Ramsha Jahangir, Sabookh Syed, Talha Ahad, Xari Jalil, and Zaigham Khan, among others.