Future of independent media in Pakistan discussion at NED: 2/27, 12-2:00 p.m.

The Center for International Media Assistance and the Asia Program
at the National Endowment for Democracy invite you to a luncheon presentation on:

Instability in Pakistan:
Implications for the Future of Independent Media

Featuring:

Steve Coll
New America Foundation
The New Yorker

Nicholas Schmidle
Freelance Journalist

Sami Abraham
GEO-TV

Manzur Ejaz
The Daily Times

Wednesday, February 27, 2008
12:00-2:00 p.m.

(Lunch served from 12:00-12:30 p.m.)

1025 F Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP (acceptances only) with name and affiliation by Monday, February 25, to CIMA@ned.org

What is the state of the media in Pakistan today? Following the liberalization of the electronic media sector in 2002, broadcast media fought hard to gain independence from state control and serve as a more reliable alternative to state-run television. Since then, television and radio stations have contributed to major changes in the political landscape of Pakistan. On November 3, 2007, however, President Pervez Musharraf declared a national state of emergency, suspended the constitution, and imposed martial law. He immediately followed with a major media crackdown, shutting down independent Pakistani news television stations and threatening Pakistani journalists who challenged his actions with jail terms. Journalists responded to the crisis in various ways, changing the medium of their message from television broadcasting to Internet streaming and mobile phones, as well as continuing their vigorous reporting through newspapers, most of which are private. By December, Musharraf unilaterally imposed a new code of conduct for the media, which effectively blocks any criticism of the government.

How has the expansion of media platforms, such as the Internet, satellite TV, and FM radio, fundamentally altered the political landscape in Pakistan? How are the government's new restrictions affecting news reporting? How have the media responded? What, if any, was the impact on coverage of the February 18 elections? How will the new media restrictions affect future prospects for independent media in Pakistan?