Shaista Yousuf, a news anchor at ARY News, recently shared insights into her journey and the challenges she overcame in her career during a session with the Women Media Center. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and ambition, offering a powerful message for aspiring journalists and women in media.

Starting Out in a Tough Industry

“When I decided to enter the media and pursue a career as an anchor, I had no idea how challenging the field would be,” Shaista explained. Her early career involved numerous rejections as she tried to break into the industry, with some channels suggesting her voice or delivery wasn’t the right fit. “I went from channel to channel, auditioning multiple times, but the feedback wasn’t always positive. They were probably right in their critiques at the time, as I was still very new and had a lot to learn.”

Shaista started her professional career in journalism around 2011. After a brief internship, she secured a trainee anchor position with Express News, where she spent a year refining her skills and learning the ropes of news broadcasting. Over the years, her commitment to improving herself led her to various prominent news networks, including Hum News and, currently, ARY News.

Hard Work Always Pays Off

According to Shaista, success in journalism, as in any field, is built on hard work and determination. “If you come into journalism expecting it to be easy, it’s not the field for you. I believe that if you work hard, your efforts will eventually pay off.” Shaista emphasized that being well-educated is only part of the equation. “If you don’t have the drive to work, to put in the effort, then this isn’t the right career path.”

For Shaista, journalism is not just about delivering the news but being a voice for the audience. She remarked, “As news anchors, our job is not only to ask questions but to represent the thoughts and concerns of our viewers. That’s a responsibility I take seriously.”

Encouraging Women in Journalism

Shaista doesn’t believe women are inherently restricted in the field. “Opportunities for women in journalism are available, but it depends on their personal choices and commitments,” she said. “Many women leave the profession after marriage, but for those who choose to stay, there are ample opportunities. Hard work always shines through.”

She addressed common concerns about harassment in the workplace, saying, “Harassment can be a reality in any profession—not just media. It’s important for families, fathers, husbands, and brothers to empower women to stand up against it. Personally, I haven’t faced much harassment in the media, and I am grateful for that.”

The Impact of AI in Media

Shaista also discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pakistan’s media landscape. “Although AI isn’t yet widespread here, its existing applications are promising,” she noted. “AI can be a positive force, but it also has the potential to be harmful if misused. My hope is that Pakistan will continue to use AI responsibly, focusing on positive advancements.”

Advice for Aspiring Journalists

Shaista’s advice to women studying mass communication or political science is to keep their options open. “Don’t assume that being in journalism means you have to be an anchor. There are so many roles to explore—reporting, production, post-production—each with its own set of rewards. Being an anchor can sometimes limit you to a certain perspective, as you’re constantly thinking on behalf of the audience.”

For Shaista, her journey from an aspiring anchor to an established news personality has been marked by continuous growth, resilience, and the drive to make a difference in the field. Through her story, she hopes to inspire other women in journalism to pursue their dreams, embrace challenges, and explore the diverse opportunities that the media industry has to offer.