Effects of Private TV Crime Programs on Women in District

(A comparative Study of Samaa, Dunya and Express News from 2010 to August 2014)

A Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

Philosophy in Media Studies

By Qasim Saeed Session: Fall 2013-2015

Supervised by Dr. Sajjad Ahmad Paracha

Department of Media Studies

Abstract

This study has been conducted to examine the effects of crime shows on the minds of women viewers and how it is affecting their interactions with the society. The negative effects of these crime shows on the respondents are also discussed in the conclusion. The study found that the dramatised and even glamorised projection of crime on primetime television by reputed network channels is causing an increased sense of insecurity among women viewers. The study found that almost all viewers were affected by the viewing of crime on TV. The majority of youth were developing negative personality traits and even the elderly were not immune to a growth in the sense of fear and insecurity. The study found that the intensity of effects that the selected shows have on the viewers is different among different age groups. The study has also discussed the usefulness of crime shows on popular TV networks.

The researcher has used survey method to gather data for the study and has interviewed 200 women from various areas of the Lahore district. The questionnaire was designed to answer the research questions and gather evidence in support of the objectives and hypothesis. The researcher found that the Cultivation Theory supports this study. It clarifies the effects of television on the viewers.

An analysis was conducted between heavy and light television viewers. The study concludes that the crime shows contribute to the rising sense of insecurity and fear in the society. They also cause frustration and an acute sense of helplessness among the respondents. The study also found that the manner of presentation of crimes in the selected shows only serve to amplify the sense of fear and frustration among the viewers. The study also found that the number of crime shows is illogically high. The study concludes that the increasing number of crime shows has hurt the image of news channels and the least the channels can do about it is change their time slots and modify their production treatment of the content so that they spread awareness against crime among their female viewers instead of being the cause for a rise in insecurity and alarm among the women in our society.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgment…………………………………………….……………………………v

Abstract……………………………………...……………………………………………vi

List of Abbreviations…………………………………………………………………….vii

Table of Contents……………………………………………….……………………….viii

List of Figures………………………………………………....………………………...xiii

CHAPTER 01……………………………………...……….…………………………….1

1.1 Introduction……………………………………………….……………………….1 1.2 Reason for Selecting Private TV Channels in this Study…………………………3 1.3 Introduction of Subject TV Channels…….…………………………………….…3 1.3.1 Express News…….…………...……….……….……………………….…3 1.3.2 Samaa TV…….…………………………………….……….……………..4 1.3.3 …….…………………………………….………………...…4 1.4 Objectives of the Study…….…………………………………….…………..……5 1.5 Importance of the Study…….…………………………………….……………….5 1.6 Rationale of the Study…….………………………………………………………6 1.7 Rationale for Selecting Women for the Study…….………………………………6 1.8 Reason for Selection of Time Period…….…………………………………….….7 1.9 Scope of the Study…….…………………………………….…………………….7 1.10 Limitations of the Study…….…………………………………….……………….7

CHAPTER 02…………….……………...…………………….…………………………9

2.1 Background…….…………………………………….……………………………9

2.1.1 International Perspective…….…………………………………….………9 2.1.2 Perspective…….…………………………………………………9

2.2 Types of Crime Shows…….…………………………………….……………….12

2.2.1 Magazine Show…….…………………………………….………………12

2.2.2 Dramatisation…….…………………………………….………………...12

2.2.3 Narratives…….…………………………………….…………………….13

2.2.4 Court Case…….…………………………………….……………………13

2.2.5 Crime Scene Investigation…….…………………………………….…...13

2.2.6 Police Raids…….…………………………………….………………….14

CHAPTER 03…….……………………………………………………………………..15

3.1 Literature Review…….…………………………………….…………………….15

3.2 Research Questions…….…………………………………….…………………..21

3.3 Hypotheses…….…………………………………….…………………………...22

CHAPTER 04...... …….………………………………….………………….23

4.1 Theoretical Framework…….…………………………………….………………23

4.2 Cultivation Theory…….…………………………………….…………………...23

4.3 Principles of Cultivation Theory…….…………………………………….……..23

4.3.1 Chances of Involvement in violence…….……………………………….25

4.3.2 Fear of walking alone at night…….……………………………………..25

4.3.3 Perceived activity of police .….…………...……………………………..25

4.3.4 General mistrust of people…….…………………………………….…...25

4.4 How Cultivation Theory Relates to the Topic…….……………………………..26

CHAPTER 05…….……………………………………………………………………..28

5.1 Research Methodology…….…………………………………….………………28

5.2 Time Period of the Study…….…………………………………….…………….28

5.3 Survey Studies…….…………………………………….……………………….28

5.4 Types of Surveys…….…………………………………….……………………..28

5.4.1 Descriptive Survey…….…………………………………….…………...29

5.4.2 Analytical Survey…….…………………………………….…………….29

5.5 Methods of Survey Research…….…………………………………….………...29

5.5.1 Mail Surveys…….…………………………………….…………………29

5.5.2 Telephone Surveys…….…………………………………….…………...30

5.5.3 Personal Interviews…….…………………………………….…………..30

5.5.4 Focus Groups…….…………………………………….………………...30

5.6 Constructing Question…….…………………………………….……………….31

5.7 Types of Questions…….…………………………………….…………………..31

5.7.1 Open Ended Question…….…………………………………….………..31

5.7.2 Close Ended Question…….…………………………………….………..32

5.8 Sampling…….…………………………………….……………………………..32

5.9 Population…….…………………………………….……………………………33

5.10 Sample Frame…….…………………………………….………………………..33

5.11 Sample Size…….………………………………………………………………..33

5.12 Sample Method…….…………………………………….………………………33

5.13 Quota Sampling…….…………………………………….……………………...33

5.14 Gathering Survey Data…….…………………………………….……………….33

5.15 Operational Definition…….…………………………………….……………….34

5.16 Classification of Variables…….…………………………………….…………...34

5.16.1 Independent Variable…….…………………………………….………...34

5.16.2 Dependent Variables…….…………………………………….…………35

5.16.3 Background/Demographic Variables...... 36

5.16.3.1 Age…….…………………………………….…………...36

5.16.3.2 Social Status…….…………………………………….….36

5.16.3.3 Qualification…….…………………………………….…36

5.16.4 Other Concepts…….…………………………………….……………….36

5.16.4.1 Does respondent feel fear? …….………………………...36

5.16.4.2 How long feeling of fear lasts?...... 37

5.16.4.3 Does the respondent feel hatred? ...... 37

5.16.4.4 Do crime shows have good effects? ...... 37

5.16.4.5 Did respondent think about criminals‟ escape plan?...... 37

5.16.4.6 Can respondent commit crime and escape the law?...... 38

5.16.4.7 Is the world safe for women? ...... 38

CHAPTER 06...... 39

6.1 Data Analysis and Presentation...... 39

6.2 Findings...... 54

CHAPTER 07...... 57

7.1 Discussion...... 57

7.2 Conclusion...... 59

7.3 Suggestions...... 60

Bibliography...... 62

Annexure...... 67

CHAPTER 01

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Television has always been an influential form of media. It is a source of information and propagation of messages, whether they are beneficial for the masses or for some select individuals and so much more. Anything that is shown on the TV, affects the audience in one way or the other – it can strengthen social values, bring about behavioural change in the masses through propaganda of influential messages, etc. Cohen (1963) remarked that although the media may not be very successful in telling us what to think, but it is stunningly successful in telling us what to think about.

The way a particular message, broadcast on TV, affects the public is largely subjective. Some may find the broadcast material horrifying; while others might enjoy it as entertainment; yet some others might find it educational. However, the manner in which the messages are delivered to the public hold strong sway in making the audience see it from the viewpoint of the producers and writers. And George Gerbner‟s words: “Television has blurred the line between fact and fiction” point to a very important aspect of this influence. The public today expresses more confidence in the truthfulness of the media than ever.

Over the past several years, we have seen a tremendous growth in the number of TV shows on crime and related to crime on private TV channels of Pakistan. This section of the media, which was earlier restricted only to news, has now emerged as a complete genre of entertainment in itself. Crime has become an „entertainment.‟ Some TV channels have gone as far as glamorising crime by the recently-introduced trend of re-enactment. Sex and sexual assault has become a favourite topic of these shows and they even re- enact various new methods of assault, inevitably training assailants-to-be on how to commit crime and get away with it.

When crime shows come to private TV channels, their utmost priority is getting ratings, which would help them get more ads, which in turn, would pay for their expenses. As for

1 ratings, by and large entertainment channels get more ratings than news channels, since women, who are the majority TV viewers like to watch entertainment shows more than news or talk shows. Most men, on the other hand, leave their homes early in the morning and return late at night. Most of them usually have time to only watch one late-night show. However, women, especially house-wives, have plenty of opportunity to watch TV and frequently come across crime shows. But getting their attention was a challenge that TV programming personnel responded to by dramatising the crime they were reporting, and made their shows „entertaining.‟

This is precisely why most of the crime shows nowadays are dramatised rather than magazine shows or news shows on crime. These dramatised crime shows are shot and edited completely on drama techniques. They hire talented casts and shoot on modern and beautiful locations or sets.

Women, who used to watch domestic and social issues in dramas, now watch „entertaining‟ crime shows. The question arises: what impact does it have on their psyche and their mind-set?

These shows show crime in all its stages:

- The planning of the crime - The weapons used in the crimes - Rapes, murders, and other such gory crimes shown in graphic detail - The aftermath of the crime - How the criminals escaped getting caught or what they did that got them caught - They make sure to even show the expressions of the rapists committing the crime and other details like the rapists tearing the victim‟s clothes off.

This detailed depiction of crime cannot and does not go un-influenced. It is natural human psyche that whatever one watches, stays in the subconscious of one‟s mind, regardless of whether the emotions one felt whilst watching it was horror or pleasure.

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1.2 Reason for Selecting Private TV Channels in this Study

We have selected the analysis of the content of three private TV channels;

 Express News  Samaa  Dunya

All three of these channels are among the most viewed and most respected of private TV channels with huge TRPs. All three are national-level channels, with bureau offices in every provincial capital and a huge chain of correspondents in every village and town throughout the country. All three of these channels also transmit their broadcasts internationally though satellite and the viewers throughout the world, especially the Pakistani communities, consider them representatives of the country.

1.3 Introduction of Subject TV Channels

1.3.1 Express News

Express News is owned by the Lakson Group and operated under the name of Television Media Network. It was launched on 1st January 2008 and soon rose to become the third largest media network in the country. Its slogan, Har Khabar Per Nazar, is one of the most popular of all TV channels‟ slogans. The group also have an Urdu, English and daily newspapers. It also runs two other channels – and Times.

Express News airs the following crime shows:

- Shabbir To Dekhe Ga - Jurm Kahani - Grift - Adhi Raat Tak - Aisa Karay Ga To Maray Ga - Shikanja

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1.3.2 Samaa TV

Samaa is a subsidiary of the American media network CNBC, operating in Pakistan under the name of Jaag Broadcasting Systems. It was launched in December 2007. Its slogan is Sansani Nahi, Sirf Khabar. In the first half of 2014, Samaa TV has been rated the number 1 news channel in Pakistan, owing largely due to the huge TRPs of their crime shows. This is probably the reason they have the highest number of crime shows in the country. The crime shows airing on Samaa TV are:

- Crime Scene - Court Number 5 - Khoji - Aisa Bhi Hota Hai - Wardaat - Gunhe Gar Kon - Interrogation - Meri Kahani Meri Zubani - Khufia Operation

1.3.3 Dunya News

Dunya TV was launched on 1st December 2008. It is owned by former Lahore mayor Mian Amir Mehmood. It is operating under the name of National Communication Services (PVT) Ltd. Its slogan is Khabar Ki Dunya.

Dunya TV quickly became one of the most popular channels in the country due to its current affairs and political satire programmes. The channel recently shut down all its crime shows. However, it used to air the following crime shows:

- Police File - Zulm Kahani Resham ki Zubani - Saboot

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1.4 Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of the study are:

- The analysis of crime shows and their effects on women in the Lahore district - The reasons behind the growing focus of news channels on crime shows - The reasons for the trend of dramatisation of crime - The motivations for the growing number of women viewers of crime shows - The analysis of women‟s behaviour regarding society before and after watching crime shows - The comparison of the attitude towards society of women who watch crime shows and those who don‟t - To suggest recommendations for policymakers of private TV channels and PEMRA on whether they should shut down crime shows or not, and if not, how they should conduct such shows

1.5 Importance of the Study

This study will consider the impact of crime shows on the mental health of women, especially housewives, who, for the most part these days view the society form the lens of the shows they watch.

Consider what effects crime shows would make on the mind of a housewife who lives happily with her husband and children and whose exposure is limited to her family and what she watches on the TV. How would she view the society when she would watch a crime show that highlights murders, kidnappings of children, women being raped, etc? She would view the society as extremely unsafe and inherently evil. She would be anxious while sending her children to school. She would fear her husband might become a victim of target killers or other such criminals. She would be fearful of going outdoors alone.

As far as working women are concerned, let us examine how crime shows affect their view of society. Since they have their own experiences of society, the direct effects of

5 crime shows on their perception of society would be limited, but the effect on their subconscious would be immense. They would view their colleagues, especially males, with caution and distrust. They would be suspicious of the society whenever they set foot outside of their houses and there will be an innate fear in their minds that they could become one of the victims they had seen on the shows; that the same fate might await them at the next corner.

1.6 Rationale of the Study

Television has a direct impact on the masses and viewers have a common perception that since private TV channels are free of the influence of the government, their content will be closer to reality. However, when these „reliable and truthful‟ TV channels air crime shows in such high numbers and frequency, and with such dramatisation and re- enactment, women viewers become more and more vary of society in general.

This study will examine whether the main reason for the increase in fear and frustration among women is the showing of crime or the display of crime in the manner that the crime shows do.

1.7 Rationale for Selecting Women for the Study

News channels were traditionally not popular with women viewers, but this trend has changed and this study will observe their recent interest in this section of the media and its impact on their personalities and behaviour. TV channels have paid special interest in the presentation of crime in a way that appeals to the women‟s choice of TV programming. The increase in the ratings of crime shows proves that women have started viewing these shows since they started dramatising their topics.

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1.8 Reason for Selection of Time Period

Before 2007, there were only three major private TV channels - Geo, ARY, and Aaj - and all three of them had only a couple of crime shows amongst them. But with the mushroom growth of private TV channels, including Dawn, Express, Samaa, Dunya, etc, the trend of crime shows began rising. By the year 2010, this genre matured enough to begin attracting audiences across various socio-economic classes and genders.

Express News‟ Shabbir To Dekha Ga was one of the first shows to use re-enactments of crime. With its phenomenal success, other channels followed suit and now there are more crime shows on news channels than there are talk shows.

1.9 Scope of the Study

The study aims to analyse and observe the impact of crime shows on the behaviour and psyche of women viewers. It will also serve as an eye-opener for media personnel to consider the production and manner of presentation of crime in their shows. It will also strive to serve as a guideline for professionals in the field of TV production for the selection of their scripts and what they should keep in mind while portraying crime on their screen. The study will consider if it is a good idea to shut down crime shows or to change the manner of their presentation, keeping in consideration their efforts to gain more and more women audience. Finally, the study will try to answer the question: Should women watch crime shows at all or not?

1.10 Limitations of the Study

The study has the following limitations:

 The study will be a survey analysis of women viewers of crime shows in Lahore district  The survey will include both housewives as well as working women in the Lahore district

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 The study will focus on the analysis of crime shows from 2010 to 2014  The study will analyse the impact of package based magazine shows on crime and dramatised crime shows

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