Media Action Committee Seeks Clear Definition of Digital Media in Proposed Balochistan Policy

Quetta: The Balochistan Media Action Committee has expressed concerns over the proposed provincial digital media policy and called for a clear definition of “digital media,” urging the government to distinguish professional journalism from social media content creators.

A meeting of the committee was held at the Quetta Press Club under the chairmanship of Shahzada Zulfiqar. It was attended by senior media representatives including President of Quetta Press Club Quetta Press Club Irfan Saeed, General Secretary Ayub Tareen, representatives of the Balochistan Union of Journalists, Editors Council officials, and other media stakeholders.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the implications of the proposed Balochistan digital media policy and its potential impact on the print and online journalism industry. They agreed to continue their engagement strategy and decided to initiate meetings with the Chief Minister and provincial parliamentary parties to present their demands in the form of a charter of demands.

The committee emphasized that only properly structured media organizations with professional staff, editorial systems, and journalistic standards should be included in the digital media framework. They warned against including TikTokers, influencers, or informal social media pages, arguing that such platforms do not follow professional journalistic ethics or accountability mechanisms.

Members also demanded that existing newspapers with online editions and verified websites be formally recognized as digital media entities. They stressed that only platforms with full-time journalists, editors, photographers, and newsroom infrastructure should qualify under the policy.

The meeting also discussed the protection of jobs for journalists, reporters, photographers, and editorial staff working in the print and online media sector.

Participants unanimously agreed on key criteria for defining a complete media house, including a functioning newsroom, subscription to news agencies, proper staffing, printing facilities, official websites, and compliance with wage board regulations.

The committee further resolved to continue efforts for fair distribution of government advertising budgets among print and digital media organizations and to ensure transparency in media policy implementation.