Join us in this conversation to address a paradox we face when seeking answers to a very fundamental question:

What happens when digital journalist platforms depend on the very public advertising money that can potentially influence its editorial independence?

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Tehreem Azeem, who authored an important report titled: Public Money, Public Interest: Aligning Digital Advertising Policies with Media Mandates. The report examines the policy frameworks and eligibility criteria governing state support for digital publishers in Pakistan.

This conversation captures the motivation behind the report and what it reveals about the changing landscape of journalism in Pakistan. At a time when freedom of expression faces increasing restrictions and journalism can easily become vulnerable to rigid laws and political pressures, we discuss what prospects remain for independent journalism and what it means to sustain journalism that genuinely serves the public interest.

We also explore the distinction between traditional journalism and interest-specific journalism, and how this has shaped what gets covered and how audiences understand public issues. We discuss why is it important for the government to distinguish a journalist from an influencer or content creator, and how easily a lack of this policy distinction solidifies political messaging and mere propaganda.

Report: Public Money, Public Interest: Aligning Digital Advertising Policies with Media Mandates
Authors: Dr. Tehreem Azeem & Adnan Rehmat
Interviewer: Zeeba T. Hashmi

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