Media Coverage of Child Abuse Cases: Impediments and Limitations

This study explores the dearth of extensive coverage on child abuse in print media, highlighting its global impact and the intricate relationship between news reporting and instances of abuse. Employing a qualitative research design, it draws from primary and secondary sources, including a content analysis of English and Urdu dailies. The findings reveal a substantial underreporting of child abuse cases, diminishing public awareness of the issue's severity. The interviews with reporters and editors further underscore three key obstacles to comprehensive coverage: the prevalence of unreported cases, inadequate government support, and capacity limitations within media outlets. The study advocates for collaborative efforts to address unreported cases, enhance media-government partnerships, and overcome resource constraints, thereby promoting a more thorough coverage of child abuse in print media.