THE EVOLUTION OF PRINT MEDIA THEORIES IN PAKISTAN: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT, INDIGENOUS ADAPTATIONS, AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Abstract

This thesis is a presentation on the development of the print media theories in Pakistan with a focus on tracing their historical development, the way they were adapted locally and the present-day challenges that the sector is currently encountering. The paper starts with the introduction of the development of the print media in the colonial era and the development of the foundations of the modern media theory in the region by the early journalistic practices. It proceeds to point out the post-independence period, where the Pakistani scholars, journalists and policymakers localized the world communication theories to local social-cultural, political and linguistic realities. The influence of ideology, press legislations, and the media houses in determining these theoretical frameworks is highlighted. More so, the research examines how globalization, digital transformation and technological change have posed new challenges to traditional print media. The challenges of falling readership, economic recession, convergence of media and competition with the digital medium are analyzed to reveal the effects on the theoretical discourse. This thesis presents a very holistic view of the development and current adaptation of the theories of print media in Pakistan by covering both the past and the present.