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Impact of Unlicensed FM Radio by Militants in Swat, Pakistan (2004-2009)

Explore the effects of unlicensed FM radio operated by militants in Swat, Pakistan from 2004 to 2009. This study delves into the emergence of illegal radio broadcasts, their control by militants, and the influence on local media and populace. Findings reveal the manipulative tactics employed, including fear-induced listenership among inhabitants, particularly women. The research draws theoretical links to the Magic Bullet Theory, demonstrating the direct impact of media on shaping opinions and actions. The study's hypotheses are supported by evidence, highlighting the coercive power of illegal FM broadcasts to dominate information dissemination and advance militant agendas, despite detrimental consequences on fundamental rights and freedoms.

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Impact of Unlicensed FM Radio by Militants in Swat, Pakistan (2004-2009)

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  1. Khalid Sultan, PhDAssistant ProfessorDepartment of Communication Studies Ministry of Higher Education, Sultanate of Oman Effects of Unlicensed FM Radio Broadcast Operated by Militants in Swat, Pakistan 2004-2009

  2. Key Ideas • State of mass media in Swat, Pakistan • Emergence of unlicensed FM radio • Effects of the broadcast • Findings on the basis of literature review and survey

  3. State of Mass Media in Swat, Pakistan • Deprived of the mass media since its emergence with Pakistan in 1969 • Even it was left behind by Pakistan’s ground breaking media regulatory reforms post-2000 (PEMRA Ord.) • The ordinance establishing PEMRA had no jurisdiction in some areas including Swat. • Seemingly this failure means other voice.

  4. Emergence of FM Unlicensed Radio Media Violations: • Murder, physical attacks, harassment, and destruction of infrastructure. Purpose: • Aims to silence moderate and alternative views • Dominate the local media scene • Impose militants agenda

  5. Effects of The Broadcast • The Inhabitants of Swat fell victims to the contents • Women folk of the area became frequent listeners • Emergence of the militant media • Fear and support to the militants cause • Manufacturing the peoples’ / listeners consent

  6. Findings Theoretical linkage of Study: The theoretical foundation of this survey based research work is the "Magic Bullet Theory“ which holds that media broadcasts directly shape the opinions and actions of viewers. According to this theory, information is "fired" or "injected" directly into the viewer, and then guides their actions.

  7. Findings Hypotheses Proved H1= Unlicensed FM radio was operational in Swat in 2004-2009 (80 %) . H2= Unlicensed FM radio was controlled by militants (83% to support Taliban 67%) . H3= Illegal FM broadcast has a powerful effect on the area under study (87%). H4= Heavy exposure to the illegal FM radio transmissions in Swat was from the fear of militants (61%). 

  8. Findings

  9. CONCLUSION Available literature, the mass consent, studies, reports and the findings strongly support the idea that unlicensed (illegal) FM radios have been operational and effectively used by militants in Swat during 2004-2009. It had been controlled by the militants to support militants. It emerged as a dominant source of information primarily from the fear of militants. 'Stress and anxiety', 'faith shaken on law and order' and the 'effects on fundamental rights and freedom' are other contributor impacts brought by the broadcast. The agonies and sacrifices of the inhabitants are manifold during the militant dominancy but they do not come up to limelight due to the unreported side of the catastrophes’.

  10. THANK YOU

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