Look, I’m Not Supposed to Say This
But honestly, news in Pakistan is a mess. I’ve been editing for major publications since 2003, and it’s only gotten more complicated. I mean, remember when we actually had deadlines? Now it’s just a constant stream of… stuff.
I started at the Daily Post in Lahore. Fresh out of college, green than a mango in June. My first editor, let’s call him Marcus, told me, “News isn’t about facts, Sarah. It’s about telling stories that matter.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But then why does it feel like we’re drowning in triviality?
That Time I Got Fired (Twice)
Okay, so I got canned from the Daily Post in 2007. Why? I wrote a piece about corruption in the local government. Turns out, someone important read it. And by someone important, I mean the guy who signed my paychecks. Oops.
Then there was the time at the Pakistan Chronicle. 2012, I think. I wrote an opinion piece about property valuation methods guide property valuation methods guide and how they’re completley broken. My editor, a colleague named Dave, loved it. Until the ads stopped rolling in. Suddenly, it was my fault the revenue dropped. Whatever.
But Here’s the Thing About News
It’s not all bad. I mean, look at what we’ve accomplished. We’ve exposed scandals, held people accountable, and sometimes, just sometimes, we make a difference.
Last Tuesday, I was at a conference in Austin. Over coffee at the place on 5th, a journalist named Aisha told me, “I don’t know what we’d do without the internet.” And she’s right. The internet has changed everything. But it’s also made everything louder, angrier, and more confusing.
I remember when news was about committment. About staying late, digging deep, and getting it right. Now? It’s about clicks, shares, and algorithms. It’s about what’s gonna get the most engagement, not what’s important.
And the People? Forget About It
People are tired. They’re overwhelmed. They don’t know who to trust. And honestly, can you blame them? I mean, I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and even I’m not sure what’s real anymore.
I was talking to my friend Farah the other day. She said, “Sarah, I don’t read the news. It’s too depressing.” And I get it. It is depressing. But it’s also necessary. Someone has to hold the powerful accountable. Someone has to tell the stories that need to be told.
But is it us? Are we the ones who should be doing it? I’m not sure. I mean, look at the state of things. It’s a mess. A complete, utter mess.
A Brief Digression About Cats
You know what’s not a mess? Cats. Cats are simple. They eat, they sleep, they purr. They don’t worry about algorithms or engagement or revenue streams. They just are. And honestly, sometimes I wish I could be more like a cat.
But I can’t. I’m a journalist. I’m a news editor. And as much as I complain, as much as I wish things were different, I’m still here. I’m still doing this. Because someone has to.
But maybe, just maybe, we should all take a page from the cats. Maybe we should slow down, take a breath, and remember why we’re doing this in the first place.
Or maybe I’m just tired. It’s been a long day. And a long 20 years.
About the Author: Sarah Khan has been a senior magazine editor for over 20 years. She’s worked for major publications in Pakistan and has a deep love for cats and a deep hatred for algorithms.
