ABSTRACT

Suicide attempt rates are on the rise in predominantly Islamic Republic of Pakistan. However, there exists an indigenous academic apathy toward exploring media-suicide relationships. This study, using content analysis and interviews, examines the lack of compliance with international ethical guidelines for suicide reporting by Pakistani newspapers. In 553 reported suicide cases, 2,355 guideline violations were detected. The overall tone of suicide news stories remained overwhelmingly irresponsible, and analysis indicates that both Urdu and English language newspapers made similar violations. Largely ignorant of international standards, Pakistani journalists report attempted suicide cases just like any other crime. This study suggests a prompt action on the part of appropriate bodies to amend relevant codes of ethics and eventually educate relevant journalist fraternities to report suicides in a socially responsible way.

摘要

在巴基斯坦伊斯兰共和国，自杀未遂率正在上升。但是，对于探索媒体与自杀的关系存在着一种本土的学术冷漠。这项研究使用内容分析和访谈进行了调查，考察了巴基斯坦报纸对自杀报道的国际道德准则缺乏遵守情况。在报告的553起自杀事件中，发现了2355项违反准则的行为。自杀新闻故事的总体语气仍然是绝对不负责任的，分析表明，乌尔都语和英语报纸都犯了类似的侵权行为。巴基斯坦记者大体上不了解国际标准，与其他任何犯罪一样，报道了自杀未遂案件。