Laugh Labs and Their Treatment: Analysis of the Satirical Language of Leading Infotainment Programs of Pakistani News Channels

This study attempts to explore the language used in different kinds of jokes that are  cracked in the leading infotainment programs of Pakistani news channels. Benign Violation Theory provides conceptual roots for the study which describes jokes as a benign violation of something. The systematic sampling technique is used to draw a sample from the infotainment programs that include Khabarnaak, Khabardar, Hasb-e-Hal, Syasi Theater, Sawa Tee, and Mazakrat. Through content nalysis  data is coded into categories formulated by both deductive and inductive approaches. The results show that the frequency of using dark humor in the satirical language differs within and between the groups. Moreover, Khabarnaak cracked more jokes that are dark in nature. On the other hand, Mazakraat cracked the least dark jokes in its programs as compared to the other four leading infotainment programs of Pakistani News Channels. The study also helps to find the reasons behind sending advice notice to all the broadcast stations of Pakistan by PEMRA to put a check on the content of these programs.