Any other ove of ab N holding d o io f n imin at one fice D U i o s n cr ffiliati cal a liti po urce ernal l reso E a xt n lis c m ia na F u a r behavio ctio istic n nlim ite Fi nopo l Mo Modernising Journalists’ Trade Unions in Pakistan for the Digital Age A Mapping of Challenges, Needs, and Solutions Figure 22: Barriers in Membership of Journalists’ Union 127 106 92 88 85 41 19 4 Loyalty vs integrity : In many cases, journalists within these unions may prioritise political loyalty over professional integrity, leading to an environment where the promotion of partisan agendas takes precedence over the fundamental rights and interests of all journalists. This political alignment can create rifts within the union, as differing ideologies and affiliations clash, resulting in a lack of cohesion and unity. When the focus shifts away from advocating for journalists as a collective group, the ability to address shared challenges and issues diminishes, further exacerbating the divide among members. Blurring identities : The rise of social media and digital platforms significantly amplifies these tensions. In an era where information is disseminated rapidly and often without the rigorous standards associated with traditional journalism, the lines between journalists and non-journalists become increasingly blurred. This shift complicates the identity of journalists within unions and challenges the traditional norms of the profession. As many individuals on social media prioritise sensationalism and viewership over balanced reporting, they may inadvertently reinforce the political agendas that pervade the media landscape. Conflict of interest : Digital media professionals often face immense pressure to align their content with the interests of political entities to attract audiences and maintain financial viability. This need for market-driven 36