Exploration of Public Perception regarding Crime Raid Shows of Pakistani TV News Channels: An Ethical Perspective

Effects of television are very gigantic and enormous in terms of influencing the mind-set of audience through multiple tactics i.e., presentation styles, formats, language or even contents itself. However, crime and violence constitute major portion of media content and on the other hand, have significant impacts while producing changes in the behaviours of the audience as a result of constant exposure. Key objective of this study was to inquire that what audience actually thinks about crime raid shows broadcasted on Pakistani TV channels and the content presented in these programs by relating it with ethical standards. Residents of Multan city were taken as population of the study on which results had been generalized; moreover, sample of 480 was drawn from the population to collect data. Findings however happened to explain that media surely exaggerated the ratio of crime events occurred in reality which afterwards caused of fear, aggression and violent behaviors among the audience as a consequence. Moreover, viewers were also of the view that there must be substantial restrictions for media practitioners at times of presenting crime or violence as media should recognize its responsibility towards citizens and society.