Discursive Power Play: Analyzing Front Page Headlines in English and Urdu Newspapers During PDM’s 'No-Confidence Motion'

Gulab Ahmed; Sumera Memon

doi:10.58921/jossams.08.02.0399

Gulab Ahmed PhD Scholar, Department of Media and Communication Studies, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Pakistan
Sumera Memon Department of Media and Communication Studies, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5416-1596

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58921/jossams.08.02.0399

Keywords: Newspapers;, Pakistan Democratic Movement, , Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Manipulation;, Public Opinion

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to analyze the language used in the headlines of Pakistani Urdu and English newspapers in relation to Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) ‘no-confidence motion’ against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s government. The study seeks to investigate whether the language and policies of the media are influenced by powerful groups within Pakistani society. To achieve this, the research conducted a comparative analysis of the discourse presented in the headlines of two English and two Urdu Pakistani newspapers concerning the ‘no-confidence motion’. The data collected is subject to qualitative analysis, employing textual and contextual. The results of the study indicate a significant disparity in how Urdu and English newspapers portray the media event. The study concludes that the media's language and policies may not always represent public opinion, as they can be manipulated to support either opposition’s or government's perspective. The study also found that Urdu Newspapers use more sensational words and phrases when compared to English newspapers. The study highlights the significance of exposing media exploitation to prevent the manipulation of public opinion and provide people with impartial and unbiased news information.

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