Beyond the Western Masses: Demography and Pakistani Media Credibility Perceptions

Authors

  • KyuJin Shim Singapore Management University
  • Guy J. Golan Syracuse University
  • Anita G. Day Professor
  • Sung-Un Yang Indiana University

Keywords:

traditional media credibility, new media credibility, media reliance, media credibility in Pakistan, religiosity, ethnicity

Abstract

Based on a random survey sample, this study examines audience assessments of different media platforms in Pakistan. We found that in the complex Pakistani media landscape, ethnicity is a key indicator in predicting media credibility. Our study’s results indicate that minority ethnic groups tend to find domestic television to be less credible, and international television or traditional media to be more credible, than do members of the majority Punjabi group. Media reliance was found to be a significant indicator of media credibility assessment—particularly regarding media such as international television and the Internet—as media reliance hinges on the availability of a media infrastructure, especially in the context of a developing society such as Pakistan.

Author Biographies

KyuJin Shim, Singapore Management University

KyuJin Shim will start her  academic career as an assistant professor of corporate communication at Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University from the 2014-2015 academic year. KyuJin holds an M.A in Telecommunication from the Michigan State University.  KyuJin’s research interests are interdisciplinary, intersecting public relations and media. More specifically, her academic interest is strategic communication in the era of educated/empowered publics in relation to social media, international PR and corporate social responsibility and grassroots activism.

Guy J. Golan, Syracuse University

Associate Professor, Syracuse University

Anita G. Day, Professor

Professor

Sung-Un Yang, Indiana University

Associate Professor, Indiana University

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Published

2015-06-30

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Section

Articles