51%

Geo News is one of the most viewed and popular news channels of Pakistan and that is why I chose a program from this channel. As it says on its website, its policy is that ‘It will highlight the issues of concern and the cultural richness of its people through information, discussion and entertainment. GEO will propagate transparency of responsibility that will ensure its position as the most credible and meaningful source of information, through quality programming based on issues.’
For this assignment I chose a show called 51% that is aired on Geo News. It is hosted by Nida Sameer and is basically a magazine show based on women. It is aired on weekly basis and is based on news and issues revolving around women. What I like about this show is that it not only shows the negative issues and problems that women of Pakistan face, but it also concentrates on positive aspects and on celebrating womanhood. It is a mix of both hard and soft news and is executed in a way that is entertaining as well as encouraging and not just depressing as we would expect shows revolving around women to be. The show consists of ‘stories that have universal appeal with subjects as diverse and sensitive as religion, society, sex, education and arts, all from women's perspectives.’
Geo News and TV has been known for airing shows that focus on women and their issues, there was a very popular show known as ‘Geo Hina k saath with Hina Bayat’. This is because a large number of audiences are women and there a lot of issues on women that need to be highlighted through the media. Geo portrays women through ‘51%’ as a progressive part of our society and as having the potential to become successful. In the special 6th September episode, we are shown how women of Pakistan have progressed and are now actively participating in different departments of the Pakistan Air Force. One episode was on the typical day in the life of a Pakistani woman during Ramadan, although the topic being simple, it was interesting and highlighted the importance of women in our daily lives.
Another episode is on the interview of Reshman – the singer who has made her mark internationally. The interview is well-conducted and explores how Reshman, despite being a woman and a part of the music industry since the 60’s has been successful and represented Pakistan all over the world. It is an inspiring show celebrating the women of Pakistan as well as showing some of the serious problems faced by them which hinders their growth. It motivates people to overcome these issues so we can progress as a society.
51% does not have a tone of exaggeration or sensationlization and is well-researched. Overall, the show is a well put together and has an underlying sense of encouragement for women, men and caters to all ages. It generates positive response from its audiences and is balanced and unbiased.