The Department of Media & Communication Studies organized a seminar titled “Empowering Critical Thinkers: The Role of Media Literacy in the Digital Age,” focusing on the significance of media literacy in navigating the digital information landscape.
The event featured guest speakers Mr. Absar Alam, Executive Director of SAMAA News; Mr. Anwar ul Hassan, Senior Anchor at PTV News; and Mr. Tahir Farooq, Director General of PEMRA. They addressed the challenges posed by misinformation, fake news, and the unchecked flow of content on social media platforms.
Mr. Absar Alam highlighted the role of media in shaping public opinion and emphasized the responsibility of journalists in maintaining ethical standards. Mr. Anwar ul Hassan discussed the need for developing critical thinking skills among media consumers to help them analyze and question the information they encounter. Mr. Tahir Farooq shed light on PEMRA’s efforts to promote media literacy and ensure responsible regulation of content.
The speakers stressed the need to incorporate media literacy into educational curricula to equip students with the tools to critically assess media messages. They also called for workshops and training programs to enhance public understanding of media practices and foster a culture of informed media consumption. Collaboration between academic institutions, media houses, and regulatory bodies was identified as essential in promoting a more informed and discerning society.
On this occasion, Dr. Amna Mehmood, In-Charge Female Campus, thanked the speakers for their participation in the seminar and lauded their contributions in advancing media literacy and critical thinking. The Department of Media & Communication Studies was commended for organizing the event under the supervision of Dr. Manzoor Afridi, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, IIUI, and Dr. Ayesha Sadaf from the Department of Media & Communication, Female Campus, IIUI.
The seminar provided a valuable platform for discussion and exchange of ideas on the evolving role of media.