CSS 2019 – Journalism & Mass Communication: Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide​

Introduction

Journalism & Mass Communication is a popular CSS optional because of its short syllabus, overlap with Current Affairs, and relevance to modern media. Many aspirants expect it to be scoring, but the examiner’s report for CE-2019 revealed that most candidates underperformed. The main reasons were confusion about media theories, lack of updated knowledge, and irrelevant content. Let’s break down the examiner’s insights, mistakes, and preparation strategies for this subject.

Examiner Feedback (2019)

The examiner noted:

• Overall performance was below average.
• Many candidates had no clear understanding of communication theories and confused agenda-setting, framing, and cultivation theories.
• Answers were generic and descriptive, lacking analytical depth.
• Most candidates failed to connect theories to current issues in Pakistani media (fake news, social media, media ethics).
• Some scripts contained irrelevant and repetitive material, suggesting rote learning.
• Only a small number of candidates who wrote analytical answers with examples and case studies scored well【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L205-L212】.

Common Mistakes by Candidates

1. Confusion in theories
   • Mixing up or misdefining key theories (agenda-setting vs framing, powerful vs limited effects).
2. Narrative answers
   • Writing general essays on “media in Pakistan” instead of answering specific questions.
3. No use of examples
   • Few candidates referred to actual cases such as election coverage, PEMRA regulations, or social media campaigns.
4. Outdated knowledge
   • Ignoring digital journalism, citizen journalism, and global media developments.
5. Weak structure and language
   • Poor outlines, disorganized answers, and weak grammar.

Practical Preparation Strategies

1. Master media theories
   • Study communication models (Shannon-Weaver, Lasswell).
   • Effects theories: Agenda-Setting, Cultivation, Spiral of Silence, Uses & Gratification.
   • Media sociology: propaganda, public opinion, framing.
2. Apply theories to Pakistan
   • Fake news → agenda-setting & framing.
   • Social media activism (Aurat March, #MeToo) → uses & gratification.
   • PEMRA regulation → media ethics and freedom of speech.
3. Stay updated on global trends
   • Digital media, citizen journalism, AI in newsrooms, misinformation campaigns.
4. Use examples and case studies
   • Refer to Pakistan’s media laws, coverage of elections, or global examples like Cambridge Analytica.
5. Organize answers clearly
   • Intro → theory → application → examples → conclusion.
6. Read authentic sources
   • Dennis McQuail – Mass Communication Theory
   • Shannon & Weaver – Communication Model
   • Journals like Journalism Studies and media reports.

Encouraging Closing Note

The CSS 2019 examiner’s report shows that Journalism & Mass Communication is not about writing generic essays. It rewards candidates who know theories, apply them, and use real-life examples. Those who treated it casually failed, while those who connected theory to Pakistan’s media landscape performed well.

Remember: Media is dynamic — always evolving. If you prepare this subject with updated knowledge, case studies, and clear application, it can become one of your most scoring optionals.

Stay motivated: every theory you understand, every example you collect, every case you analyze brings you closer to mastery. With a smart approach, Journalism can be a guaranteed scoring subject.