In the PMS examination, Mass Communication is an optional paper. Here is the PMS Mass Communication Paper-I for 2024. PPSC conducts this Provincial Management Services (PMS) examination frequently. The paper I on Communication was held on January 26, 2025. Find its past paper below to understand what topics were given. If you are an aspirant and preparing for the PMS, this Mass Communication paper will help you better prepare. This way you can better understand the paper and the questions.
PMS Mass Communication Past Paper-I 2024
Q1. Sub-editor is a key person in the newsroom, Discuss the responsibility of a sub-editor in the newspaper.
Q2. Editorials reflect the opinion of the newspaper while columns are independent opinions of the columnists that could conflict with editorial opinion. How do you view this conflict from the perspective of the freedom of the press? Highlight its impact on society and the media organization.
Q3. What are the ethics of journalism? Discuss the main features of the “ethical code of practice given by the Pakistan Press Council.
Q4. Highlight the salient features of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Ordinance 2002.
Q5. Define online journalism. Discuss the development of online journalism in Pakistan and highlight some of the main prospects of online journalism in Pakistan.
Q6. Critically analyze the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a journalist.
Q7. Define the determinants of news. How were values different for print media and electronic media?
Q8. Compare and contrast the main attributes of the Social Responsibility Theory and Media Development Theory of the Press.
Analysis of the Paper
This paper requires the candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of media ethics, regulatory frameworks, the evolution of media, and theoretical perspectives covering the journalism field comprehensively. The questions are comprehensive: they range from theory and historical insight to critical analysis reflecting the dynamism and multifaceted nature of journalism in Pakistan.
The following topics are given in the paper for checking the student’s ability:
Role and Responsibilities in Journalism: Questions 1 and 6 highlight the important roles of key figures such as sub-editors and historical contributors like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. These questions demand an understanding of newsroom roles and the historical impact of journalism on societal development.
Ethics and Regulations: Questions 3 and 4 relate to the ethical and legal frameworks for journalism in Pakistan, such as the Ethical Code of Practice by the Pakistan Press Council and the PEMRA Ordinance 2002. These questions are designed to check a candidate’s awareness of journalistic principles and their application to current practice.
Freedom of the Press and Its Impact: Question 2 questions the balance between editorial independence and freedom of expression, challenging the reader to think critically about the relationship between press freedom, societal influence, and organizational integrity.
Media Development and Theory: Questions 5, 7, and 8 focus on the development of online journalism, determinants of news in various formats, and theoretical frameworks such as the Social Responsibility Theory and Media Development Theory. These questions call for the ability to analyze changes in the media landscape and their theoretical underpinnings.
Summary of the Paper
The paper is well-structured, dealing with both theoretical and practical aspects of journalism. It evaluates candidates’ knowledge of media ethics, regulatory frameworks, historical contributions, and the evolution of journalism in the digital age. The theoretical perspective will allow critical thinking, while the focus on Pakistan’s specific media landscape ensures contextual relevance. Overall, the paper balances testing knowledge and analytical skills, making it challenging and insightful for candidates.
Also read:
- PMS Past Papers: Get PMS Past Papers for All Subjects
- CSS Notes: All Compulsory and Optional Subjects
