Role of Media in Promoting Environment Protection during Smog Crisis in Lahore

Abstract

Climate change has become the most alarming threat to all forms of life on earth. As a result of it, changing weather patterns like heat waves, storms, drought, and rising oceans are witnessed in Pakistan as well. Lahore is among the cities that are highly affected by smog with the highest air quality index (AQI) that is considered not only UNHEALTHY but harmful as decreasing the average age of residents of the city. This situation calls all relevant sections of society including mass media to play their needful role as media is an agent of social change. Awareness is a key towards solution. This study attempts to explore the role of newspapers in creating awareness about smog in 2016 and 2017. Main objective of this study is to examine the policy of newspapers with regards to covering issues related to environment and applying solution based journalistic techniques on environment protection. Using Framing theory as a theoretical foundation, Quantitative content analysis of editorials of two widely circulated national dailies of Pakistan, Dawn and The News are conducted. Findings show that environmental issues are not given sufficient coverage in selected newspapers. Although newspapers tried to maintain the balance of using generic and issue specific framing schemes while writing on environment issues, smog has been covered with issue specific frame only. The smog issue has been marginalized and is discussed only during crises.  Editorials, although apply solution-based journalism. The Pakistan Climate Change Act 2017 is not played up in editorials. No significant difference in coverage of environmental issues in the selected newspapers was found with regards to policy. The study recommends a robust communication awareness plan be devised on a regular basis rather than highlighting issue during crisis