Exploring Journalists’ Narratives on Challenges to Climate Journalism in Pakistan

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: Pakistan has been classified among the five most vulnerable societies to climate change, yet its coverage in Pakistani media remains event-driven and limited. Given the absence of research in field, this qualitative research, based on focus group discussion, documents the narratives of Pakistani journalists about challenges to climate journalism in Pakistan.

Methodology: This qualitative research was conducted through a focus group discussion, collecting data from 11 Islamabad-based Pakistani journalists who have been serving different print, electronic and digital news media organizations as news reporters and news editors.

Findings: The findings of the study reveal event-based media coverage of climate change, lack of prioritization and desensitization of media on climate change, the influence of policy agenda on media coverage, and the lack of professional journalistic training and education.

Conclusion/Policy Recommendations: The study concluded/recommended that addressing the challenges to climate journalism in Pakistan required specialized training and sensitization of the journalists, besides the establishment of dedicated climate beats and desks within the media organizations. Enhancing the utilization of technology and fostering journalists-media academics collaboration, independent editorial policies, and introduction of climate change education in academic curricula can improve the quality and consistency of climate change awareness and coverage in Pakistan.