CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Mass media is considered as one of the major sources of information and television is one of the most helpful and effective tool of information, knowledge and entertainment. Various programmes on television cater diverse audiences. Audience analyze them according to their perceptions but when we talk about news media then principles of accuracy and objectivity instantly come in mind. Audience perceive the news stories the way news is reported to them. Last decade brought boom in Pakistani electronic media especially regarding the growth of television news channels. These channels have contributed a lot in creating awareness and knowledge among general masses. People prefer to watch those news channels which tell a news story accurately in detail. Current affairs programmes are integral part of the transmission of these channels. The UKs Office of Communications defines current affairs as explanation and analysis of current events and issues, including material dealing with political or industrial controversy or with public policy. Goddard, Corner and Richardson define current affairs programmes in their journal article Current affairs is a programme category where televisions power of popular engagement and visual impact intersect most directly with its functions as provider of knowledge and as a major forum of the public sphere (p.74). These programmes give more detailed and opinionated view of everyday news stories. Current Affairs programmes are designed to give background of the news and to shape public opinion. Current affairs programmes give explanation and analysis of current events and issues. Mostly investigative approach is used in these programmes to explore the truth behind the problem. These programmes provide a more long range view of the news stories either political or social.

Today the number of current affairs programmes is almost equal to the number of news channels. Mostly the format of a current affair programme is that there is an anchor person and a panel of guests who hold a conversation on any news related to political and social issues. Pakistan is hit by global terrorism, internal disputes and ineffective policies of the government which resulted in the issues of shortage of flour, sugar, water, load shedding of gas and electricity. Besides the reports of news media, current affairs programmes provide in depth detail of these issues by calling influential personalities on the forum. It has become a major reason of attraction for audience to watch these programmes on regular basis. Some examples of such programmes on Pakistani news media are: Aaj Kamran Kay Sath, Capital Talk, and 50 minute, Meray Mutabiq, Off the Record, Live with Talat, Kal Tak, Islamabad Tonight and many more. The researcher has chosen three programmes as reference for the study: Capital Talk (GEO News) Live with Talat (AAJ TV) Off the Record (ARY ONE WORLD) 1.1. Capital Talk Capital talk is a current events based talk show that is hosted by Hamid Mir who is a well-known journalist. The programme airs on Geo News. This programme comes five days a week. The basic format of the programme is that there is a panel of guests who are usually renowned personalities and they try to give appropriate solutions of the issue under discussion through a dialogue that sometimes turns into spicy and loud discussions.

1.2. Live with Talat Live with Talat airs on Aaj TV and is hosted by Talat Hussain. He covers diverse topics and the shows appear to be well researched. The basic emphasis on this show is to get the public aware

about the political and social scenario in the country. The show mainly focuses on research and analysis.

1.3. Off the Record Off the Record is another talk show that talks about current political issues and policies in Pakistan. The anchorperson of this programme is Kashif Abbasi and it airs on Ary One World. Constitution, rule of law, democracy in political parties are the topics that become famous among masses. They usually try to cover unconventional but important topics in the programme. This programme comes four days a week. Although current affairs programmes were also broadcasted ten years back when there was only one major channel but those programmes only depicted the government policies. Now media has got freedom and they portray opinion of both sides. At that time there was no option of interaction between a journalist and a viewer but today because of the new sources of communication audience themselves can interact with them and they constantly give media their opinion by using these new communication facilities. Today current affairs programmes have become the highest ratings formats on broadcast television. A survey was conducted in January 2009 on a website PKPOLITICS about the popularity of television current affairs programmes. The results indicated that the top choices of the viewers are Live with Talat, Off the Record, Capital Talk, Kal Tak and Meray Mutabiq. According to channel ratings Aaj TV, Geo News, Express News and ARY News are the most famous news channels among the masses.

RATIONALE
These current affairs programmes have become very popular in Pakistan. People of different ages are observed as audience of these programmes. Due to the current wave of terrorism, social and economic situations, major power crisis, inflation, water, flour and sugar shortage, and political instability in Pakistan, people rely more on these programmes because they tell the pros and cons of an incident in detail with the opinions of experts and influential people. The basic purpose of the study is to examine the interest of youth in these programmes and the effects of these programmes on them. Television medium and current affairs programmes on television are selected to conduct research. Current affairs programmes have always been the source of information for masses. These programmes have a certain specific impact on the viewers and influence their daily interpretation of life and workings. Current affairs section in news media has seen a rapid growth in Pakistan in last few years. Besides the boom of news media the critical situation of Pakistan played a vital role in the rise of these programmes. Basic purpose to choose these programmes is that general masses are very much inclined to these talk shows and discussion programmes; thereby it becomes interesting to know that how these current affairs programmes affect audience of a certain age group and what impact it leaves on them. The researcher intends to take the youth of 18 to 25 years of age. Youth is considered back bone of a nation and it is important to find that how they are influenced by the coverage of social, economic and political incidents in the country and how much important they find current affairs programmes in terms of gathering information.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Researcher tends to investigate the problem that in which direction these programmes guide youth, the influence of current affairs programmes on the opinions of the youth and to explore

the change in attitudes of youth about political, social and economic scenario in the country after watching current affairs programmes.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. Do current affairs programmes increase knowledge of the youth? 2. Do current affairs programmes increase interest of youth in political and social issues of the country? 3. Do current affairs programmes encourage political participation of the youth? 4. Do current affairs programmes alter views of the youth about social and economic issues of the Pakistan?

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature review comprises of following studies: a) Studies concerning impacts and influences of media b) Studies concerning current affairs programmes c) Studies concerning impact on youth Khattri (2009), stated in his research An Analytical Study of Public Opinion regarding Infotainment format of Television Programmes among Youth in Developing Country with special reference to India that infotainment format of TV has become increasingly popular among youth these days. He had analyzed infotainment format of two leading satellite channels NDTV India and DD News. His basic objective of the study was to study the preference of infotainment format of TV news programmes and their impact on youth. Survey research is used to gather the public opinion. According to the findings of his research 70% prefer NDTV India and 30% DD News reason being that NDTV India provides both education and entertainment together while DD News only focuses on education. Henna (2007), stated in her research work titled Study of Cultural Impacts of Selected Western Programmes on the Youth of Lahore that 60% of the youth watch western programmes and spends 30 minutes on average to view them. She had used the Survey research to conduct that study. The sample was based on 200 youngsters and 50 parents. Henna asked questions to them by mentioning names of many western programmes, for example, Friends and Sex in the City. She asked the youngsters about the change in their attitudes after watching those programmes. The findings indicated that 82% of the parents knew that their children watch western programmes. She has also done comparisons between the views of youngsters and parents. The Provision of Current affairs (2006), is a research report on The Current affairs Audit 2005. The goal of this report was to gain an in depth knowledge of the amount, range and breadth of existing current affairs output and to examine that how much these current affairs programmes serve the needs of the viewer. Content analysis and quantitative viewers

research was used to conduct this report. Focus groups were also conducted that revealed that there was a general interest in political programmes. The findings of this research report indicate that today the current affairs programmes cover various topics of politics, social affairs, economics and business. Ammara (2006), stated in her research Impact of Telecom Packages TV Commercials on the Youth of Lahore that the telecom packages commercials have more long lasting impact on youth that are transmitted by TV channels. The major objective of her study was to study the preference of youth. By using the survey method technique she had taken sample 100 young individuals. She had mainly conducted this study to view the attention, impression and acquisition between Mobilink and Warid through their presentation on electronic media. Turner (2005), described in his book Ending the Affair: The Decline of Television Current Affairs in Australia the changing trends of television current affairs programmes in the history of Australia and impact of these programmes on mass audience. He had described the various formats of different famous current affairs programmes of Australia such as The Day Tonight and A Current Affair. He had also described that the popularity of these programmes started declining in 1970s due to the volatile political mood in the nation at that time. The other reason described was that the goal of current affairs programmes was to get attention of the politicians and they could no longer attract the audience. Thereby, the audience turned to other formats and interest. He concluded that 1990s got to see boom in current affairs programmes again with changing in the time slots and the formats which helped to revive the original mission of television current affairs programmes. Jaana and Sari (2004), examined in their article Interactive Uses of Journalism: Crossing Between Technological Potential and Young Peoples News-Using Practices interactive uses of journalism. It basically focused that how new communication technology has affected the news consumption on the young generation. The authors had used two methods of research that is survey and interview methodologies. According to their findings a fifth of the respondents had taken advantage of the participatory opportunities of the media. Mostly youth participate in these interactive opportunities. The reason of why they chosen youth is

that young generation is considered the new media generation and they are more quick in learning new communication techniques. Sobia (2001), stated in her study Impact of Pakistani Online Magazines and Newspapers on Lahore Students that new information technology had affected the young generation mainly students. This development in the media had changed their routine life and had altered their attitudes and approaches towards their studies. She had used survey method of research. The findings of her research were that 77% men and 52% women use computers several times in a day and 21-25 year age group is more influenced by the online publications. Goddard, Corner and Richardson (2001), concluded in their research article The Formation of World in Action: A Case Study in the History of Current Affairs Journalism that current affairs programmes mainly address the public and provide the background of a current event. The authors had specifically focused on the British Television Current Affairs Series World in Action. They had researched that how this series has contributed to Television Current Affairs journalism. They had also examined in this article the role of television journalists who make public affairs more visible and noticeable. The main purpose of their study was to explore that how the current affairs series World in Action had reported the current events of that time in the context of Britain. Kathleen and Karlyn (2001), concluded in their book The Interplay of Influence that media is so powerful that it influence our thoughts and perceptions and change our attitudes that eventually change our lives. They had emphasized that how news, advertising and other political messages reported by media, change or shape individuals concepts of reality and how it affects their attitude and behaviour. They had also provided the tools by which one can also influence the media by critically analyzing their messages. Media is influenced by other individuals, political parties, government and other agencies. Many case studies were included in this regard that proves that media has certain effects on the audience.

Vanessa and Jason (1999), concluded in their journal article Young People, Politics and Television Current Affairs in Australia that news medias presentation of politics, democracy and citizenship had developed a bad reputation amongst youth but they were also attracted towards media because it creates social consciousness for them. The reason they had mentioned for this bad reputation is that in the current affairs programme journalists strategy to focus on political and public policy news is like a sport event where public plays their part as spectators. The other argument they made is that sometimes these arguments also become interesting for the young audiences. Sorlin (1994), described in his book: Mass Media: Key Idea that how media influence peoples thinking, how people accept and reject the media messages and how these messages alter their perceptions. He had considered mass media as the mediums of information and entertainment. He had also presented some case studies and talked about the uses of the media. He had examined how audiences develop and has found in his study that it is not necessary that messages which are transmitted through programmes have same meanings for all rather it is about the impact on their minds of what they learn. Trivedi (1991) concluded in his book Mass Media and New Horizons that TV and video are powerful mediums of communication. He had emphasized in his study that media has the power to mould public opinion. In one of the chapters of the book he had studied the impact of these medium on students of schools, colleges and post-graduate. He had used survey research, case study and participant observation for the findings. He had chose his sample by dividing the households into various categories of slum quarter class, labour class, middle class, upper class, walled city class, city fringe class and posh colony. He had found that 53.88% households reported that that they did not find any change in the knowledge and thinking faculty of students and children who had the opportunity of viewing TV programmes. On the contrary, there were 46.12% households which felt that the programmes of TV increased the thinking faculty of children and students. Barnett (1990), wrote an article TV Current Affairs in the journal of British Journalism Review. In this article he had mainly compared ratings of the famous British current affairs programmes like Panorama, This Week and World in action. He had actually found that the

ratings of a programme are determined by the time on which they are on aired. Time determines the audience. Impacts and Influences (1987), is a book containing essays on media power in the twentieth century. It says that every event or social incident is affected by mass mediums like television, video, cinema, newspaper and radio. These mediums also affect the behaviour and moral qualities of individuals. A section of this book highlights that mass media also affects the gender roles of people especially teenagers in a society and content analysis of various magazines and TV shows to study the influence of media on gender roles is done to study the impact. Another section of this book puts light on media and culture that how media influence the cultural trends and the ways by which media absorbs the popular culture.

CHAPTER 3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Television is considered as most influential medium. People believe immediately what they see on their television screens because these mediums provide with the facilities of listening and watching. Current Affair Programmes play vital roles in television transmissions. Audience not only watch and listen to them but these programmes also contribute in the opinion making process of the audience. These programmes have the power to change the beliefs, values and behaviors of a particular society and also a certain specific type of audience such as youth. Keeping in view the topic, the following theories represent it: Agenda Setting Theory Social Responsibility Theory

3.1. Agenda Setting Theory Agenda setting is a theory of media effects. This theory proposes that the public agenda or what kinds of things people discuss, think and worry about are powerfully shaped and directed by what the news media choose to publicize (Larson 1986). This means that if the news media choose to give more importance to terrorist attacks, this issue will become the most important item on the audiences agenda and if the news media gives more importance to inflation, audience too will rate inflation as the most important issue. Thus agenda setting research examines the relationship between media priorities and audience priorities in the relative importance of news. The notion of agenda setting by the media can be traced to Walter Lippmann who wrote, in Public Opinion, For the real environment is altogether too big, too complex, and too fleeting for direct acquaintance. We are not equipped to deal with so much subtlety, so much variety, so many permutations and combinations. And although we have to act in that environment, we have to reconstruct it on a simpler model before we can manage with it (1922, p. 16).

He argued that public deal with their environments according to the pictures in their heads and these pictures are formed by the media. It means media is responsible for shaping the public perception of the worlds and creating a pseudo environment for each news consumer. Bernard Cohen is the one who developed the agenda setting theory on the basis of the Lippmanns ideas. He wrote, The press is significantly more than a purveyor of information and opinion. It may not be successful much of the time in telling people what to think, but it is stunningly successful in telling its readers what to think about. And it follows from this that the world looks different to different people, depending not only on their personal interests, but also on the map that is drawn for them by the writers, editors and publishers of the papers they read (1963, p. 13). Since current affair programmes display news items in detail to shape political reality, thereby they fall in the category of agenda setting. These programmes set agenda for the audience to think on a particular issue. If current affair programmes on different channels together start publicizing one issue that will eventually become the topic of the town. Or if these programmes consistently discuss and emphasize one problem in various ways that will also shape particular realities for the audience. Audience not only learn about public issues and other matters through current affair programmes but they also learn how much importance to attach to an issue or topic. These programmes highlight some events or activities and make them standout. Well known and credible individuals speak out on issues in these programmes that accelerate the theory of agenda setting. The language used by these programmes affects the importance of an issue and that is counted as agenda building. Agenda Building is a contemporary articulation of Agenda setting. According to Kurt Lang (1983) Concept of agenda building is more complicated than the original agenda setting hypothesis. It suggests that the process of putting an issue on the publics agendas takes time and goes through several stages. It suggests that the way media frame an issue and the code words they use to describe it can have an impact and that the role of well known individuals commenting on the issue can be an important one.

Kurt Lang and Gladys Lang defined agenda building---a more apt term than agenda setting---(as) a collective process in which media, government and the citizenry reciprocally influence one another (1983, pp. 58-59). Sometimes current affair programmes choose those topics which are important for the public, thus the public agenda appears top of the media agenda. Similarly, media influences the government policies and represent political scenario in such a way that it becomes necessary for the government to change their pronouncements and agenda. So media sets its agenda keeping in view the public and the government. The reason to use agenda setting and agenda building for current affairs programmes is that these programmes increase the knowledge, have effects in the society and encourage active citizenship. These programmes determine the major and important concerns of the society and thus can mobilize various concerned institutions toward meeting them. 3.2. Social Responsibility Theory Social responsibility is a normative theory that emphasizes the role of media in order to provide accurate, objective and true news reports. According to this theory media is independent but there is a certain check by the government to safeguard the national integrity. This theory states that medias role is of a watch dog and it is socially bound as well. According to this theory, the journalist is accountable to the audience as well as to the government. An American initiative in the late forties brought forth the social responsibility theory. The Hutchins Commission of Freedom of the Press provided a model in which the media had certain obligations to society. These obligations were expressed in the words of informativeness, truth, accuracy, objectivity and balance. Denis McQuail (1987) summarized the basic principles of social responsibility theory in his book Mass Communication Theory (Foundations, Ferment, and Future) as the following: Media should accept and fulfill certain obligations to society. These obligations are mainly to be met by setting high or professional standards of informativeness, truth, accuracy, objectivity, and balance.

In accepting and applying these obligations, media should be self regulating within the framework of law and established institutions. The media should avoid whatever might lead to crime, violence, or civil disorder or give offence to minority groups. The media as a whole should be pluralist and reflect the diversity of their society, giving access to various points of view and to rights of reply. Society and the public have a right to expect high standards of performance, and intervention can be justified to secure the, or a, public good. Journalists and media professionals should be accountable to society as well to employers and the market.

As the social responsibility theory deal with the individual media practitioners thereby it imposes certain limitations on the anchors of current affairs programmes. They are required to have pluralistic approach and cater to all segments of the society. They must have balance in their reports. They cannot be subjective to a certain political party. Also they must highlight both sides of the story and should not have slanted aspects. According to social responsibility theory, this is their duty to preserve democracy. Thus social responsibility theory imposes a burden on the media practitioners. Social responsibility theory puts responsibility on the practitioner to give properly structured and balanced stories. If the stories are poorly structured, it will distort the audience attention and can give misinterpretations. This concept is also related to the current affair programmes because if the anchor try to show one side of a picture and defy the other then it will create disorientation among the audiences and it will change the audiences views and perceptions as well.

3.3. Variables
There are two variables in this research: Current affairs programmes (Independent variable ) Impact on Youth (Dependent Variable)

3.3.1. Independent Variable

An independent variable is the one that influences dependent variable and bring change in the dependent variable. This change can be either positive or negative. Independent and dependent variables are correlated to each other. When there is a change in independent variable, there is a change in dependent variable also. We can say that the variation in dependent variable is accounted by the independent variable. Here the independent variable is current affairs programmes. 3.3.2. Dependent Variable The major interest of the researcher lies in the dependent variable. The researchers goal is to describe and to understand the dependent variable and also to explain its variability. Here the dependent variable is impact on youth.

HYPOTHESES

H1: Current affairs programmes increase knowledge of the youth about social issues. H2: Current affairs programmes affect the attitudes of youth towards politics in a positive way.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Aim of conducting this study is concerned with the effects and impact of current affairs programmes on youth. The researcher intends to study that how much the youth of today is influenced by current affairs programmes and how these programmes affect their psychology. The basic objectives of this study are as follows: To examine attitude of youth towards current affairs programmes. To check the effects of current affairs programmes on youth in Pakistan. To explore the change in views, attitudes and perception of youth about politics in Pakistan after watching current affairs programmes. To examine the change in behaviour of youth towards the society after watching current affairs programmes. To examine the extent to which television current affairs programmes discuss issues that are relevant to everyday lives of the youth. To examine the extent to which youth find current affairs programmes interesting. To check how current affairs programmes affect the psychology of the youth and change their opinion and behaviours.

CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research methodology is the system of collecting data for the research projects. Methodology is integral part of the research. In methodology, it is described that how the information is gathered and what method of research is used to collect data. Research methodology is the system in which the tools and techniques that are used for research are examined.

4.1. Research Procedure This chapter describes the method of research that has been adopted to conduct this study. Research procedure is based on the scientific ways that are adopted by the researcher for the collection of facts and figures to achieve results. Survey research is used to gather information regarding the impact of current affairs programmes on youth. The questionnaire is formulated by keeping in mind the aims and objectives of the study. The sample size for conducting surveys is 250. The selection of sample is assured to

fulfil the need of acquiring authentic data. The results are shown in the form of tables and pie charts. There are two variables in this research are current affairs programmes and impact on youth. Current affairs programmes is independent variable and impact on youth is dependent variable.

4.2. Quantitative and Qualitative Research The quantitative and qualitative method of research has been used to conduct the study which is based on questionnaire that are filled out by the respondents to find out their opinions, views and attitudes about the topic of research. The specified respondents are youth who fall in the age of 18-25 years.

4.3. Survey Method For the purpose of study, survey research design has been used. The basic tool of survey research that is used for the analysis is questionnaire. Survey research usually seeks to provide empirical data collected from a population of respondents on a whole number of topics or issues. It can also provide basic information on existing and changing patterns of behaviour. Surveys are now used in all spheres of life. In the present study, the surveys help to gauge and quantify the individual responses from the sample of the audience about the impact of current affairs programmes on youth.

4.4. Questionnaire The basic tool selected for this research is questionnaire. It is convenient for the respondents to fill the questionnaires. The questionnaire is formulated keeping in view the research questions, hypotheses, scope and objectives of the study. Both descriptive and analytical forms of questions are used. Most of the questions are close ended and two of them are open ended. 4.5. Sample Total sample population is 250. The sample population consists of 125 male students and 125 female students. The age of the sample population is from 18 to25 years. The institutions where the survey was conducted: Kinnaird College for Women Punjab University (Mass Communication Department) Superior University Punjab College for Commerce Scans School of Accountancy Gulberg New Alpha Academy

Pak Polytechnical Institute Case studies of current affairs programmes, which the researcher has selected as reference, are: Capital Talk Off The Record Live with Talat

4.6. Sampling Procedure The sampling type used in the study is Convenience Sampling. Convenience sampling is a nonprobability sampling technique where respondents are selected because of their convenient accessibility. Convenience sampling is also known as Opportunity Sampling, Accidental Sampling or Haphazard Sampling. Students of required age group were selected from the above mentioned institutions who were readily available.

4.7. Tools for Data Collection The tool to conduct the research is questionnaire which is filled by the desired sample. The questionnaire has been designed in such a way that the whole topic is covered. Personal assistance was also provided to the respondents to fill the questionnaires to get maximum accuracy in desired results. The purpose of the questions is to explore that how current affairs programmes benefit the youth of today and how much these programmes contribute to increase their knowledge. 4.8. Primary Data The primary data used for the research is collected by questionnaires filled out by the respondents. The researcher has used this data to analyze the results. 4.9. Secondary Data

Secondary data for the research is articles, online journal articles and books that are previously published regarding the current affairs programmes and impact on youth. 4.10. Data Analysis It is the procedure through which information that is collected through questionnaires is analyzed. SPSS has been used to make tables and pie chart and Minitab has been used to check hypotheses. It is the test from which researcher can check that whether the hypothesis is rejected or accepted.

CHAPTER 5 RESULTS

Question 1: Do you watch news channels? Table 5.1 Respondents who watch news channels

Cumulative Frequency Valid Yes No Sometimes Total 169 1 80 250 Percent 67.6 .4 32.0 100.0 Valid Percent 67.6 .4 32.0 100.0 Percent 67.6 68.0 100.0

Figure 5.1 shows percentages of respondents who watch news channels

Question 2: Which one of these channels you watch mostly? Table 5.2 Respondents who watch Geo News, ARY News, Aaj TV or other channels mostly

Cumulative Frequency Valid Geo News ARY News Aaj TV Any Other Total 172 14 12 52 250 Percent 68.8 5.6 4.8 20.8 100.0 Valid Percent 68.8 5.6 4.8 20.8 100.0 Percent 68.8 74.4 79.2 100.0

Figure 5.2 shows percentages of respondents who watch these channels mostly

Question 3: Do you watch current affairs programmes?

Table 5.3 Respondents who watch current affairs programmes

Cumulative Frequency Valid Yes No Sometimes Total 98 10 142 250 Percent 39.2 4.0 56.8 100.0 Valid Percent 39.2 4.0 56.8 100.0 Percent 39.2 43.2 100.0

Figure 5.3 shows percentages of respondents who watch current affairs programme

Question 4: What is your routine of watching current affairs programmes? Table 5.4 Routines of watching current affairs programmes of the respondents

Cumulative Frequency Valid Daily Once a week Twice a week Other Total 44 83 72 51 250 Percent 17.6 33.2 28.8 20.4 100.0 Valid Percent 17.6 33.2 28.8 20.4 100.0 Percent 17.6 50.8 79.6 100.0

Figure 5.4 shows percentages of the routines of the respondents who watch current affairs programmes

Question 5: Which current affairs programme you find the most interesting?

Table 5.5 Current affairs programmes that youth find interesting

Cumulative Frequency Valid Capital Talk Off the Record Live with Talat Any Other Total 133 20 35 62 250 Percent 53.2 8.0 14.0 24.8 100.0 Valid Percent 53.2 8.0 14.0 24.8 100.0 Percent 53.2 61.2 75.2 100.0

Figure 5.5 shows percentages of respondents who find current affairs programmes interesting

Question 6: Who is your favorite anchor among the following?

Table 5.6 Favourite anchors among the youth

Cumulative Frequency Valid Hamid Mir Talat Hussain Kashif Abbasi Any Other Total 131 34 25 60 250 Percent 52.4 13.6 10.0 24.0 100.0 Valid Percent 52.4 13.6 10.0 24.0 100.0 Percent 52.4 66.0 76.0 100.0

Figure 5.6 shows the percentages of the respondents who like anchors

Question 7: Do you think that the anchors of current affairs programmes are fulfilling their obligations and responsibility toward society?

Table 5.7 Respondents who think that anchors of current affairs programmes are fulfilling their obligations and responsibility towards society

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 23 85 93 36 13 250 Percent 9.2 34.0 37.2 14.4 5.2 100.0 Valid Percent 9.2 34.0 37.2 14.4 5.2 100.0 Percent 9.2 43.2 80.4 94.8 100.0

Figure 5.7 shows percentages of respondents who think that the anchors of current affairs programmes are fulfilling their obligations and responsibility toward society.

Question 8: Do you believe that Current affairs programmes are interesting and increase your knowledge?

Table 5.8 Respondents who believe that current affairs programmes are interesting and increase their knowledge

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 56 130 48 10 6 250 Percent 22.4 52.0 19.2 4.0 2.4 100.0 Valid Percent 22.4 52.0 19.2 4.0 2.4 100.0 Percent 22.4 74.4 93.6 97.6 100.0

Figure 5.8 shows percentages of respondents who believe that current affairs programmes are interesting and increase their knowledge

Question 9: Do you think that Current affairs programmes enhance your political understanding?

Table 5.9 Respondents who believe that current affairs programmes enhance their political understanding

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree 57 138 37 14 Percent 22.8 55.2 14.8 5.6 Valid Percent 22.8 55.2 14.8 5.6 Percent 22.8 78.0 92.8 98.4

Strongly Disagree Total

4 250

1.6 100.0

1.6 100.0

100.0

Figure 5.9 shows percentages of respondents who believe that current affairs programmes enhance their political understanding Question 10: Do you think that Current affairs programmes have changed your opinion about the political scenario in the country?

Table 5.10 Respondents who believe that current affairs programmes have changed their opinion about political scenario in the country

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 26 121 54 41 8 250 Percent 10.4 48.4 21.6 16.4 3.2 100.0 Valid Percent 10.4 48.4 21.6 16.4 3.2 100.0 Percent 10.4 58.8 80.4 96.8 100.0

Figure 5.10 shows percentages of respondents who believe that current affairs programmes have changed their opinion about political scenario in the country

Question 11: Do you think that Current affairs programmes encourage you to participate in political activities?

Table 5.11 Respondents who believe that current affairs programmes encourage them to participate in political activities

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 29 60 71 69 21 250 Percent 11.6 24.0 28.4 27.6 8.4 100.0 Valid Percent 11.6 24.0 28.4 27.6 8.4 100.0 Percent 11.6 35.6 64.0 91.6 100.0

Figure 5.11 shows percentages of respondents who believe that current affairs programmes encourage them to participate in political activities

Question 12: Do you think that Current affairs programmes discuss issues that are relevant to everyday lives of the youth?

Table 5.12 Respondents who believe that current affairs programmes discuss issues that are relevant to everyday life of youth

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 23 94 66 54 13 250 Percent 9.2 37.6 26.4 21.6 5.2 100.0 Valid Percent 9.2 37.6 26.4 21.6 5.2 100.0 Percent 9.2 46.8 73.2 94.8 100.0

Figure 5.12 shows percentages of respondents who believe that current affairs programmes discuss issues that are relevent to everyday life of youth Question 13: Do you believe that the information provided by current affairs programmes change your perception about the social issues of the country?

Table 5.13 Respondents who believe that information provided by current affairs programmes change their perception about the social issues of the country

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 24 123 59 33 11 250 Percent 9.6 49.2 23.6 13.2 4.4 100.0 Valid Percent 9.6 49.2 23.6 13.2 4.4 100.0 Percent 9.6 58.8 82.4 95.6 100.0

Figure 5.13 shows percentages of respondents who believe that information provided by current affairs programmes change their perception about the social issues of the country

Question 14: Do you believe that current affairs programmes help you to become more aware of your society in terms of information? Table 5.14 Respondents who believe that current affairs programmes help them to become more aware of their society in terms of information

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 52 136 42 14 6 250 Percent 20.8 54.4 16.8 5.6 2.4 100.0 Valid Percent 20.8 54.4 16.8 5.6 2.4 100.0 Percent 20.8 75.2 92.0 97.6 100.0

Figure 5.14 shows percentages of respondents who believe that current affairs programmes help them to become more aware of their society in terms of information Question 15: Do you believe that current affairs programmes have changed your view about economic issues of the country?

Table 5.15 Respondents who believe that their views about economic issues of the country are changed after watching current affairs programmes

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 31 112 66 31 10 250 Percent 12.4 44.8 26.4 12.4 4.0 100.0 Valid Percent 12.4 44.8 26.4 12.4 4.0 100.0 Percent 12.4 57.2 83.6 96.0 100.0

Figure 5.15 shows percentages of respondents who believe that their views about economic issues of the country are changed after watching current affairs programmes

Question 16: Do you believe that current affairs programmes over emphasize or criticize certain issues to increase TRPs (Television Rating Points)?

Table 5.16 Respondents who believe that current affairs programmes over emphasize or criticize certain issues to increase TRPs (Television Rating Points)

Cumulative Frequency Valid Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Total 79 105 47 11 8 250 Percent 31.6 42.0 18.8 4.4 3.2 100.0 Valid Percent 31.6 42.0 18.8 4.4 3.2 100.0 Percent 31.6 73.6 92.4 96.8 100.0

Figure 5.16 shows percentages of respondents who believe that current affairs programmes over emphasize or criticize certain issues to increase TRPs (Television Rating Points)

HYPOTHESES TESTING

H1: Current affairs programmes increase knowledge of the youth about social issues. H0 = Current affairs programmes do not increase knowledge of the youth about social issues.

Level of Significance = 0.05

Test and CI for One Proportion

Test of p = 0.5 vs p > 0.5 Sample 1 X 206 N 250 Sample p 0.824000 95.0% Lower Bound 0.779557 Exact P-Value 0.000

Interpretation: Above mentioned table indicates the proportion of respondents who agree that current affairs programmes increase knowledge of the youth about social issues (Sample 1). Total number of respondents was 250 out of which 206 agreed to it and the rest did not. Sample p for the agreed respondents is 0.824000. If p value is greater than 0.05 then the hypothesis is rejected, if the p value is less than 0.05 then the hypothesis is accepted. In this research study PValue is 0.000 which is less than 0.05 thus the hypothesis is accepted.

H2: Current affairs programmes affect the attitudes of youth towards politics in a positive way. H0 = Current affairs programmes do not affect the attitudes of youth towards politics in a positive way.

Level of Significance = 0.05

Test and CI for One Proportion

Test of p = 0.5 vs p > 0.5 Sample 1 X 232 N 250 Sample p 0.928000 95.0% Lower Bound 0.895099 Exact P-Value 0.000

Interpretation: Above mentioned table indicates the proportion of respondents who agree that current affairs programmes affect the attitudes of youth towards politics in a positive way (Sample 1). Total number of respondents was 250 out of which 232 agreed to it and the rest did not. Sample p for the agreed respondents is 0.928000. If p value is greater than 0.05 then the hypothesis is rejected, if the p value is less than 0.05 then the hypothesis is accepted. In this research study P- Value is 0.000 which is less than 0.05 thus the hypothesis is accepted.

DISCUSSION

The results of Question 1 indicate that out of 250 students 169 students (67.6%) watch news channels, only 1 student (0.5%) does not watch these channels and the other 80 students that make (32.0%) sometimes watch news channels. This clearly shows that most of the youth watch news channels.

The results of Question 2 indicate that out of 250 students 172 students (68.8%) watch Geo News, 14 students (5.6%) watch ARY News, 12 students (4.8%) watch Aaj TV and the other 52 students (20.8%) have other choices . This clearly shows majority of the youth prefer to watch Geo News and they find this channel more credible to get news.

The results of Question 3 indicate that out of 250 students 98 students (39.2%) watch current affairs programmes, 10 students (4.0%) do not watch current affairs programmes and 142 students (56.8%) sometimes watch these programmes. Although the majority of youth watch current affairs programmes sometimes but the percentages clearly show that youth has an inclination toward watching these programmes.

The results of Question 4 indicate that out of 250 students 44 students (17.6%) watch current affairs programmes daily, 83 students (33.2%) watch once a week, 72 students (28.8%) watch these programmes twice a week and 51 students (20.4%) have other routines of watching current affairs programmes. This clearly shows that viewership of watching current affairs programmes is high among the youth and they like to watch these programmes.

The results of Question 5 indicate that out of 250 students 133 students (53.2%) find Capital Talk the most interesting, 20 students (8.0%) find Off the Record interesting, 35 students

(14.0%) find Live with Talat the most interesting and 62 students (24.8%) have other choices. This clearly shows that most of the youth is interested in watching Capital Talk.

The results of Question 6 indicate that out of 250 students 131 students(52.4%) favorite anchor is Hamid Mir, 34 students (13.6%) like Talat Hussain, 25 students (10%) like Kashif Abbasi and 60 students (24.0%) have other choices. This clearly shows that most of the youth like Hamid Mir who is the anchor of Capital Talk.

The results of Question 7 indicate that out of 250 students 23 students (9.2%) strongly agree that the anchors of current affairs programmes are fulfilling their obligations and responsibility toward society, 85 students (34.0%) also agree on it, 93 students (37.2%) are neutral, 36 students (14.4%) disagree and 13 students (5.2%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the youth has neutral views.

The results of Question 8 indicate that out of 250 students 56 students (22.4%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes are interesting and increase their knowledge, 130 students (52.0%) also agree on it, 48 student (19.2%) are neutral, 10 student (4.0%) disagree and 6 students (2.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the youth consider that current affairs programmes are interesting and these programmes contribute in increasing their knowledge.

The result of Question 9 indicate that out of 250 students 57 students (22.8%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes enhance their political understanding, 138 students (55.2%) also agree on it, 37 students (14.8%) are neutral, 14 students (5.6%) disagree with it and 4 students (1.6%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the youth believe that current affairs programmes help to develop their political understanding.

The result of Question 10 indicate that out of 250 students 26 students (10.4%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes have changed their opinion about the political scenario in the country, 121 students (48.4%) also agree on it, 54 students (21.6%) are neutral, 41 students (16.4%) disagree with it and 8 students (3.2%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the respondents view is that current affairs programmes affect them and change their opinion about the political scenario in the country.

The result of Question 11 indicate that out of 250 respondents 29 students (11.6%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes encourage them to participate in political activities, 60 students (24.0%) also agree on it, 71 students (28.4%) are neutral, 69 students (27.6%) disagree with it and 21 students (8.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that half of the respondents are encouraged to participate in political activities after watching current affairs programmes but the other half of the respondents think that these programmes do not contribute to encourage their participation in political activities.

The results of Question 12 indicate that out of 250 students 23 students (9.2%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes discuss issues that are relevant to everyday lives of the youth, 94 students (37.0%) also agree on it, 66 students (26.4%) are neutral, 54 students (21.6%) disagree and 13 students (5.2%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that a majority of youth believe that issues that are discussed in current affairs programmes are relevant to their lives.

The results of Question 13 indicate that out of 250 students 24 students (9.6%) strongly agree that the information provided by current affairs programmes change their perception about the social issues of the country, 123 students (49.2%) also agree on it, 59 students (23.6%) are neutral, 33 students (13.2%) disagree while 11 students (4.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that a significant number of the respondents say that current affairs programme changed their perception about the social issues of the country.

The results of Question 14 indicate that out of 250 students 52 students (20.8%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes help them to become more aware of their society in terms of information. 136 students (54.4%) also agree on it, 42 students (16.8%) have neutral views, 14 students (5.6%) disagree with it and 6 students (2.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the youth believe that current affairs programmes give them information about society.

The results of Question 15 indicates that out of 250 students 31 students (12.4%) strongly believe that current affairs programmes have changed their view about economic issues of the country, 112 students (44.8%) also agree on it, 66 students (26.4%) are neutral, 31 students (12.4%) disagree with it and 10 students (4.0%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that a large number of youth think that current affairs programmes changed their views about economic issues of the country while a small number of youth think that these programmes do not contribute to bring change in their views of economic issues of the country.

The results of Question 16 indicates that out of 250 students 79 students (31.6%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes over emphasize or criticize issues to increase TRPs, 105 students (42.0%) also agree on it, 47 students (18.8%) are neutral, 11 students (4.4%) disagree and 8 students (3.2%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that a significant number of respondents think that current affairs programmes over emphasize or criticize certain issues to increase Television Rating Points.

The respondents were also asked two open ended questions. One was about the general impact of current affairs programmes and the other was to know how much biased or unbiased respondents find these programmes.

Most of the respondents were of the view that current affairs programmes are biased and the main reason described by the majority of the respondents is that some channels are associated

with certain political parties and they go by the agenda of that political party in their political talk shows. Some respondents think that this is all a money making business and for sake of their interests the anchors of current affairs programmes bias their opinions. Another reason given by the respondents is that the anchors follow the policies of their news channel so that their opinions get biased on certain issues. Some respondents have mentioned that anchor persons try to impose their own opinions on the guests and thus become biased. One of the respondents has given an example that Hamid Mir anchor of Capital Talk did a program before the election of NA123 and in this program they openly supported Muslim League.

A very small number of the respondents are of the view that these programmes are unbiased and the reason given is that in these programmes, guests are invited who represent their parties and their views are taken and both sides of the picture are shown to reveal the truth. The anchors give light to each point of discussion and make the politician to give answers of right and wrong.

Many respondents have also described that these programmes are sometimes biased and sometimes unbiased. One of the respondents has mentioned that these programmes become unbiased when discussion is on national interests. The other reason provided by a respondent is that the anchors want the viewers to agree with his own opinion. Another reason mentioned is that to increase popularity the anchors of the programmes over criticize or emphasize certain issues.

The general impact of the current affairs programmes among the respondents is that these programmes help in revealing truth and provide them with information and knowledge. Some of the respondents find them over exaggerated. Some feel that they go beyond norms and forget about the protocol that should be given to the guests. Some of the respondents mentioned that they mostly discuss political issues and they should give importance to each and every public issue. Some respondents are of the view that most of the anchors of current affair programmes become over powering and become loud and sometimes they try to create misunderstanding among the guests and they get indulge in a hot dialogue or even in fight. So the anchors should

avoid these tactics. Some respondents are of the view that the current affairs programmes have played a vital role in political and social awareness of general public, be it restoration of democracy, the eighteenth amendment or other human rights issue, there is a credit to these programmes who played positive role to bring change in society.

First research question, Do current affairs programmes increase knowledge of the youth, is judged by the results of question 8. The result indicates that out of 250 students 56 students (22.4%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes are interesting and increase their knowledge, 130 students (52.0%) also agree on it, 48 students (19.2%) are neutral, 10 students (4.0%) disagree and 6 students (2.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the youth find current affairs programmes interesting and they find them full of knowledge.

Second research question, Do current affairs programmes increase interest of youth in political and social issues of the country, is referred to question 10 and Question 13. The result of Question 10 indicates that out of 250 students 26 students (10.4%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes increased their interest in political issues of the country, 121 students (48.4%) also agree on it, 54 students (21.6%) are neutral, 41 students (16.4%) disagree with it and 8 students (3.2%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the respondents view is that current affairs programmes affect them and make them more aware about the political scenario in the country. The result of question 13 indicates that out of 250 students 24 students (9.6%) strongly agree that the information provided by current affairs programmes change their perception about the social issues of the country, 123 students (49.2%) also agree on it, 59 students (23.6%) are neutral, 33 students (13.2%) disagree while 11 students (4.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. This result also proves that youth think that social issues are portrayed in detail in these programmes that helps to increase their knowledge.

Third research question, Do current affairs programmes encourage political participation of the youth, is judged by the results of Question 11. The result indicates that out of 250 respondents 29 students (11.6%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes encourage them to

participate in political activities, 60 students (24.0%) also agree on it, 71 students (28.4%) are neutral, 69 students (27.6%) disagree with it and 21 students (8.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that half of the respondents are encouraged to participate in political activities after watching current affairs programmes but the other half of the respondents think that these programmes do not contribute to encourage their participation in political activities. Fourth research question, Do current affairs programmes alter views of the youth about social and economic issues of Pakistan, is judged by the results of question 14 and question 15. The result of question 14 indicates that out of 250 students 52 students (20.8%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes help them to become more aware of their society in terms of information. 136 students (54.4%) also agree on it, 42 students (16.8%) have neutral views, 14 students (5.6%) disagree with it and 6 students (2.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the youth believe that current affairs programmes give them information about society. The result of question 15 indicates that out of 250 students 31 students (12.4%) strongly believe that current affairs programmes have changed their view about economic issues of the country, 112 students (44.8%) also agree on it, 66 students (26.4%) are neutral, 31 students (12.4%) disagree with it and 10 students (4.0%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that a large number of youth think that current affairs programmes changed their views about economic issues of the country while a small number of youth think that these programmes do not contribute to bring change in their views of economic issues of the country.

First hypothesis of the study Current affairs programmes increase knowledge of the youth about social issues is referred to the result of question 13. The result of Question 13 indicates that out of 250 students 24 students (9.6%) strongly agree that the information provided by current affairs programmes change their perception about the social issues of the country, 123 students (49.2%) also agree on it, 59 students (23.6%) are neutral, 33 students (13.2%) disagree while 11 students (4.4%) strongly disagree with this statement. Hence it is proved that majority of the youth believe that current affairs programmes increase their knowledge about the social issues.

Second hypothesis of the study Current affairs programmes affect the attitudes of youth towards politics in a positive way is assessed by the results of question 9. The result of Question 9 indicates that out of 250 students 57 students (22.8%) strongly agree that current affairs programmes enhance their political understanding, 138 students (55.2%) also agree on it, 37 students (14.8%) are neutral, 14 students (5.6%) disagree with it and 4 students (1.6%) strongly disagree with this statement. This clearly shows that majority of the youth believe that current affairs programmes help to enhance their political understanding and help them make opinions about the political scenario in the country. These results of this study also support the results of previous study conducted by Goddard, Corner and Richardson and another study conducted by Vanessa and Jason that current affairs programmes provide a complete background to a news story and youth is attracted towards these programmes because these programmes provide social consciousness for them. These both studies also highlighted that another point of interest for youth in these programmes is that these programmes are argumentative. It is also evident through the results of this study that youth find current affairs programmes engaging and argumentative and the anchors of these programmes play a vital role in making current issues more noticeable and interesting.

CONCLUSION

In this study the main objective is to find out the impact of current affairs programmes on youth and to investigate the changes in their opinions and attitudes. Survey method of research is used to collect data as the methodology of the study, which helped to get accurate results and authentic information from the respondents. Agenda Setting Theory and Social Responsibility Theory are the two theories that are used to define the study. Agenda setting theory is related to media effects and it explains how current affairs programmes make an impact on the minds of youth. Social responsibility theory states that media should play their role in an objective manner and they should not harm the norms of a society, therefore, the anchors of the current affairs programmes should play their role with the highest responsibility. It has been concluded that the youth likes to watch news channels and current affairs programmes. The viewership of Capital talk that on airs on Geo TV is high as compared to the other programmes. Students find these programmes interesting and believe that these programmes help in increasing their knowledge. Most of the students are of the view that the anchors of current affairs programmes should behave modestly and should not try to impose their opinion on the guests and the viewers. These current affairs programmes have also increased the level of political understanding of youth. They also believe that they have become more aware of their society after watching these programmes and get a more comprehensive view of the national, social or political issues. Moreover both the hypotheses of the study that are Current affairs programmes increase knowledge of the youth about social issues and Current affairs programmes affect the attitudes of youth towards politics in a positive way have been accepted. Hence the study reveals that the views and beliefs of youth are affected by current affairs programmes and the way issues are depicted and discussed in these programmes; alter their opinions to a greater extent. These programmes do not influence them negatively but bring a positive change in their thoughts and the biggest benefit is that these programmes provide detailed information on the topic and cover both sides of the story.

LIMITATIONS

Researcher has selected the electronic media of Pakistan only. The survey is conducted within Lahore. Study has used only questionnaire as the tool of data collection. Only three talk shows Capital Talk, Off the Record and Live with Talat are taken for reference in the study

RECOMMENDATIONS

Current affairs programmes should be without bias and should be neutral. Current affairs programmes should not go beyond norms and ethics of society. Current affairs programmes should provide knowledge and information. Current affairs programmes should reveal the hidden truths. The main purpose of current affairs programmes should be for the betterment of the society and the nation.

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