RADIO Pakistan, which came into existence amidst emergence of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, is rightly described as the “mother of broadcasting in Pakistan.” In that extremely difficult span of time when a large number of non-Muslim professionals from the news, program and engineering wings, had moved to India, the nascent national broadcasting organization of the nascent Pakistan was left with serious crises in terms of manpower and equipment. However, a handful of determined people kept this national organization running uninterrupted from the very first day and they also helped in establishing at least three more organizations i.e. Pakistan Television, Shalimar Recording Company and ATV.
A number of books have been written about the history and importance of Radio Pakistan and the latest addition to this series is “Radio Pakistan” authored by Syed Nazir Ahmad Bukhari, Director News (Retd). The book covers various stages of radio’s evolution and its alignment with modern requirement in a very concise yet comprehensive manner. It sheds light on the establishment, purpose, objectives and performance of almost all wings of the institution.
“Radio Pakistan” is unique in the sense that it contains rare material for journalism students, journalists associated with private channels and researchers. Besides throwing light on the early period of radio as a medium in the Indian subcontinent, it gives a detailed account of the launch of Radio Pakistan and its role in the promotion of information, education, entertainment and various genres of literature in the newly emerged Muslim State. It also covers the exemplary role of the engineering wing, which is usually ignored in journalism books.
In today’s era of social media, when private and YouTube channels often highlight nonsense in the name of reporting and the concept of respecting individuals’ privacy, i.e., their personal lives, is vanishing, the book suggests reporting guidelines for novice journalists. These include: the use of correct and decent language, simple but appropriate word, brevity, maintaining flow and sequence in news so that the reader can smoothly read the news without stumbling or fumbling, a firm grasp of current affairs, availability of credible sources of news and the authenticity of news. Also included are a reporter’s impartiality, the merits and demerits of reporting style, avoidance of sensationalism, adherence to the code of ethics and established laws and other principles and requirements of news-making.
The book “Radio Pakistan” does not touch upon the Monitoring wing, which is now almost dysfunctional. The author who himself has been the head of this wing, had despite severe resistance and lack of funds, completed the computerization of the organization, which was undoubtedly an achievement to his credit. Besides, the credit for giving the Radio Monitoring Report a new dimension twice, in terms of get-up, size and content, goes to him. The importance of this report can be gauged from the fact that at one time heads of state and government used it for the formulation of national policy, especially foreign policy and they had remained in direct contact with the officials of the Monitoring wing.
Another wing ignored in the book, is Public Relations and Nazir Bukhari has also been its head for a long time. Because of being matchless in the art of public relations, he was also an excellent administrator. Instead of seeking written explanations and reprimanding the staff over minor matters, he utilized his public relations skills to amicably resolve many issues. Rather than earning the staff’s resentment, he promoted goodwill and maintained a pleasant environment in the office.