An insightful guest speaker session, organized by IoBM in collaboration with OPEN Karachi, was held on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The event featured Ms. Ayesha Tanzeem, Director, Voice of America for South & Central Asia. Addressing BS Media Studies students, she delivered a powerful and thought-provoking talk on courage in war journalism, drawing on her extensive experience reporting from conflict zones and high-pressure news environments.
The session began with welcome remarks by Mr. Nabhan Karim, Head of Media Production. Ms. Tanzeem was introduced by Mr. Salman Beg, IoBM alumnus (MBA 1998), General Secretary of OPEN Karachi, and General Secretary of the IoBM Alumni Association. Mr. Ejaz Wasay, Head of Media Studies at IoBM was also present.
Ms. Tanzeem began by outlining the fundamentals of news reporting, emphasizing accuracy, balance, and clarity as the core pillars of responsible journalism. She discussed how strong newsroom practices such as fact-checking, source verification, and cross-referencing multiple perspectives form the backbone of credible news. She further elaborated on the ethical frameworks that guide journalists, especially when reporting sensitive stories, tragedies, or issues involving vulnerable communities. Her remarks highlighted the importance of integrity, empathy, and accountability, particularly in today’s fast-paced media landscape.
A significant part of her session focused on the realities and challenges of war journalism. She explained the complexities of reporting from conflict zones, the need for situational awareness, and the protocols journalists must follow to protect themselves and others. She also discussed the broader dynamics of global media, including evolving audience expectations and technological shifts reshaping news consumption. Following her talk, an engaging question-and-answer session took place. In his Vote of Thanks, Mr. Ejaz Wasay, expressed appreciation for Ms. Tanzeem Ayesha’s insights and noted that her guidance will add lasting value to the students’ academic and professional journeys.
