Express and BBC strike collaboration

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 12 years ago

ISLAMABAD: After months of negotiations, the Express Media Group is said to have finally struck collaboration with the BBC.

JournalismPakistan.com had reported in July last year that a partnership was on the cards. Insiders say under the arrangement, the BBC will be airing one-hour news and current affairs programs on Express News Television in Urdu.

The collaboration is seen as another feather in the cap of young and innovative Bilal Lakhani.

The Express Group publishes The Express Tribune, a partner of the International Herald Tribune and Urdu-language Daily Express besides running Express Entertainment and Hero television channels. A Sindhi language newspaper is also on their business list.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Tarar says Rs86 crore worth of government ads given to Dawn Media Group

December 20, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government allocated 86 crore in ads to Dawn Media Group, stressing transparency and that media groups manage employee payments.

Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

December 19, 2025: Islamabad court approves post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case linked to controversial videos and tweets filed by the National Cyber Crime Agency.

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

PTI announces boycott of select TV anchors and talk shows

December 18, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf announces a boycott of several prominent TV anchors and talk shows, directing party leaders and spokespersons to avoid appearing on the listed programs.

Pakistan to launch BEEP secure messaging app for officials

December 17, 2025: Pakistan plans to launch the BEEP secure messaging app for government officials by June 2026, modeled on WeChat, with end-to-end encryption and oversight by NITB.

Newsroom

Algeria under scrutiny over imprisonment of French sports reporter

December 21, 2025 The detention of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes in Algeria highlights growing concerns over press freedom, judicial pressure on reporters, and international calls for his release.

Bangladesh press freedom remains under strain beyond protests

December 21, 2025 Bangladesh journalists continue to face threats, attacks, and legal pressure beyond protests, raising concerns over newsroom safety, self-censorship, and the future of independent reporting.

Global bodies condemn attacks on journalists in Bangladesh

December 21, 2025 Global media and diplomatic bodies condemn attacks on journalists in Bangladesh, urging protection for media workers and accountability as concerns grow over press safety and shrinking civic space.

When journalists move from the newsroom to the boardroom

December 20, 2025 A reflective analysis on how journalists moving from the newsroom to the boardroom face cultural, emotional, and ethical shifts while balancing management duties and journalistic values.

Bangkok leads global pact against online scams with tech partners

December 20, 2025 Thailand hosts a global initiative in Bangkok to combat online scams, bringing together governments and tech platforms, including Meta and TikTok, to enhance cross-border cooperation and public protection efforts.