Self-censorship by Pakistani YouTube Journalists and Its Difference from Mainstream Media

Abstract

The current study is to examine the practice of self-censorship by Pakistani YouTube journalists and its difference from same practice on mainstream media. It helps to know about the factors of self-censorship and their effects on journalistic practices in digital media, freedom of expression, freedom of press and the democratic practices in the country. The present study explores the practices of self-censorship in the journalists who are associated with the mainstream media and also running their own YouTube channels, and for that matter, the opinion of these journalists is taken through convenient sampling. Total 20 journalists were interviewed to have their understanding about self-censorship practices and their impact. At the same time, a survey is conducted from the journalists for their view about the factors of self-censorship. Total 400 journalists of 5 major cities of Pakistan were approached for their response.  The measures included in this study are Factors Contributing towards Self-Censorship, Threats, Pressures or Interests of Media Workers, and Influence of Self-Censorship on Journalistic Practices. Qualitative technique is adopted for data analysis after the interviews, while the quantitative approach is followed for data analysis after the survey. The outcome of the interviews and survey reveal the results according to the objectives of the study. For the purpose of analyzing the variables, the Bar-Tal Model of Self-censorship is followed. The results of the study are interpreted through SPSS and NVIVO. The study has the significant implications in order to understand about the self-censorship by the Pakistani YouTube journalists and its impact on the news content and the public perception.