RMNP Condemns Government Advertisement Ban on Dawn Media Group
The Rural Media Network Pakistan (RMNP) has strongly condemned the continued suspension of government advertisements for Dawn Media Group, including its newspapers, television channel, and radio service, terming the move an alarming assault on press freedom and the economic independence of media institutions.
RMNP notes with serious concern that Dawn Media Group — one of Pakistan’s oldest, most credible, and professionally respected media organizations — has reportedly been denied government advertisements for an extended period. The recent extension of this restriction to its electronic media platforms further reinforces fears that state advertising is being used as a coercive tool to influence editorial policy.
RMNP fully endorses the principled positions taken by representative media bodies including the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). Their collective concern reflects a broader consensus within Pakistan’s media community that government advertisements, funded by public money, must not be weaponised to punish critical or independent journalism.
The organisation stresses that financial strangulation of media outlets undermines democratic discourse, restricts the public’s right to information, and weakens professional journalism at a time when misinformation and unverified content are proliferating on digital platforms.
RMNP recalls that Dawn has historically faced various forms of pressure, including distribution curbs and administrative restrictions, yet has continued to uphold professional standards of reporting. Targeting such an institution sets a dangerous precedent for media freedom across the country, particularly for smaller and regional outlets that are even more vulnerable to economic pressure.
RMNP urges the federal and provincial governments to immediately restore government advertisements to Dawn Media Group and to ensure a transparent, non-discriminatory advertising policy applicable to all media houses, irrespective of their editorial stance.
The organisation reiterates its unwavering solidarity with Dawn Media Group and with all journalists and media workers facing undue pressure for performing their professional duties.
Source:RMNP
