Mood:  blue

Mass Media can be dangerous if it is not used correctly and responsibly, as the message gets delivered to many people at once and it is difficult to control the damage.
Using a proper and clear language when delivering our messages to the public is crucial..

In Pakistan, with liberal media policies of President Musharraf, many TV channels are emerging. Considering that the literacy rate in Pakistan is only 35 percent many of the people rely on TV programs for obtaining news and information.

Many of these channels are broadcasting their programs in English or employ hosts who use many English words while speaking Urdu … one wonders how correctly and effectively these messages get delivered to the public, when so very few can speak English.

I , and I am sure many other people, wonder why President Musharraf has also been delivering many of his speeches in English. He has also set up a new trend for other cabinet ministers and leaders to speak English instead of Urdu when delivering speeches.

The problem of mixing Urdu and English goes is also a threat to the rich Pakistani culture as many people do think speaking English and acting Western goes hand to hand.

On the positive side, in addition to many Urdu language channels, a number of regional language channels like KTN in Sindhi, Khyber TV is in Pashto, Apna channel in Punjabi and Bolan in Baluchi have been established and have become popular, which makes communication with local people more effective.