Content of religious talk shows on Pakistani mainstream news channels

Abstract

The study explored the reasons behind an absence of religious topics that are considered taboo and controversial in the mainstream media. The study also aimed at finding solutions to eliminate religious intolerance from the society. The research implied a mixed method i.e. quantitative and as well as qualitative in nature. For the quantitative part, an online questionnaire was prepared and sent to the individuals, which yielded 130 responses across the country. For the qualitative part, structured online interviews were conducted from three journalists that have religious beat and from one religious scholar. The results of the study indicated religious intolerance among the masses and various interest groups, priorities of the state or the changing global political scenario, lack of democracy in which diverse opinions are not welcomed at all and disinterest of masses in healthy and constructive debates as the main reasons behind an absence of controversial religious topics in today’s era. Formal and informal ways of acquiring education is the main solution to eradicate religious intolerance in the country. Practical knowledge, other than religious education should also be provided to the children enrolled in madrassas.