Zainab Abbas exposes a covert exchange of information that takes place between athletes and the media.
A few of the players have been quite generous in their gift-giving to a few of the journalists in order to ensure that the coverage they receive is positive.
Over the years, there have been a number of scandals surrounding Pakistan cricket. Journalists’ meddling in delicate cricket matters has caused a noteworthy scandal.
Also, there have been rumours of journalists favouring particular players or groups inside the Pakistan Cricket Board, raising questions about the objectivity and impartiality of the media’s coverage of the sport.
Zainab Abbas, a well-known sports broadcaster, quietly exposed the prejudice of the Pakistani sports media and described it as a “familiar ritual” in the field.
“I am positive that some athletes have been showering journalists with presents in order to influence them to write favourable articles about them. This is a rather typical practise. Your [digital] following grows as a result, and everything else just occurs on its own. However this is a practise that is widely used. If presents are not appropriate, tickets may be used instead “On a Zalmi TV podcast, Zainab noted.
It is crucial to remember that journalists are accountable for honestly and impartially reporting the news. Receiving gifts or other types of payment might jeopardise that obligation.
