Development of News Broadcast in US: Ziauddin University organises interactive session

Brian Ferinden Managing Public Diplomacy Program for the Embassy of the United States of America in Islamabad had an interactive discussion with the students of Institute of Communications & Media Studies (ICMS), Ziauddin University on the topic "The History and Development of Broadcast News in the United States" on Tuesday.
Brian began his talk by quoting Thomas Jefferson who said, "Democracy cannot exist without free press." This was to emphasise the fundamental purpose of journalism, which was the theme of the day. Adding, that President Jefferson was a great fan of media and championed the cause of press freedom, although, he was constantly criticized by the media.
He shared his insight on the evolution of broadcast media in the United States. His background and work experience in the field of journalism allowed him to provide a unique insight kept the students of ICMS engaged. Long time ago, he said, when the radio was king and television was not to be found in every home, the government of the United States passed a law that a certain percentage of the airtime for every radio channel will be reserved for public service messages. Thus, News bulletins emerged as part of the public service. This rule was later also applied on the television industry. So the Radio and TV could earn revenue only through entertainment programs for availing free 'Air Waves' and 'Bandwidth' in United States.
Initially, the news bulletin use to be at dinner time just before an entertainment program which earned money for the Radio or TV. Later, CNN made audience for news supported by the multinational conglomerate. MPhillip N. Assis, US Cultural Attache and Faizan S. Syed CEO, HTV also spoke on the occasion. Brian Ferinden is Managing Public Diplomacy Program for the Embassy of the United States of America in Islamabad. He previously served as Deputy Spokesman for the American embassies in Delhi, India and Kabul and Afghanistan.-PR