Orange, the TV channel that isn't

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 October 2013 |  By Chatterbox

Orange TV was promoted as Pakistan's first online music channel but has been exposed as a scam. The channel has no legitimate broadcasts or real content to offer.

Summary

KARACHI: I have been handed a reprieve… sort of. My good friend Steve finally called me after months of indifferent silence and asked me if I could investigate a television channel.

I’m glad he did.

Was in Karachi the past week on some other business but took time off to look into the ‘real status’ of Orange TV, a so-called entertainment channel whose slogan proclaims one has to Dekh magar pyar say (View with love).

Ok. It can’t get any cornier than that. But dekhain tab jab kuchch nazar bhi aaey!!

Orange TV, which has a webpage https://www.facebook.com/OrangeTV.com.pk. Have a look and write back to me and let me know what you think because I would like to take the opportunity to tell you to tread cautiously.

Earlier this year a Press Release was sent out saying the Pakistan music industry had taken a step forward with the industries (sic) top names – to be revealed – bringing ‘yet another’ exciting project which would bring music from across the globe. The channel would be Pakistan’s first ‘online music channel’.

Oh goody!!

Super news if any of it was true. From where things stand there is no functioning channel and nothing to see anywhere online or otherwise. The Facebook page is as far as it goes.

The project is said to be the brainchild of certain individuals reportedly on the payroll of ARY TV and some US-based event organizers.

Fact is it’s a big SCAM.

Being on the payroll of ARY TV and to be also running the so-called Orange TV - is that not a clash of interest?

Furthermore, at least two of the individuals have their own production house/event management businesses.

The scam runs something like this. They have put up a few names and a few low-level artistes on their Facebook. When up and coming artistes approach them they ask for investment/cash to promote them and get them opportunities starting with getting them on ARY music shows.

After pocketing the money, the poor bakras are pulled this way and that way and never get a look in despite the contract they sign. Nobody gets on ARY TV and certainly nobody has been seen on Orange TV because it does not exist.

Incredibly devious you would say and you would be right. But that is exactly what these vultures are doing. Worse still, they are getting away with it.

My question is: What is ARY doing?

KEY POINTS:

• Orange TV claims to be an entertainment channel with global music.
• The channel reportedly has no actual programming or online presence.
• Individuals running Orange TV are linked to ARY TV, raising conflict of interest concerns.
• Artists are solicited for cash to promote their work but face exploitation.
• The legitimacy of Orange TV has been called into serious question.