Samaa looking to hire ex-Geo duo

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 19 June 2012

Samaa TV is looking to hire two former employees from Geo TV as part of their efforts to replenish staff following recent resignations. Other journalists from competing networks are also being considered for the positions.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: In order to quickly fill the gap created by the resignations last month of at least eight staff members, the Samaa TV management has conducted interviews to hire new staff.

Among those interviewed by Samaa Director News Zahid Hussain are two ex-employees of rival Geo TV – Asim Ali Rana and Naveed Siddiqui - who were abruptly sacked last month.

Those in the know of the developments tell JournalismPakistan.com the two are likely to be hired.  Siddiqui will be making a comeback to Samaa from where he had joined Geo.

Others who have been interviewed include journalists from ARY News, Dunya and Waqt News.

A group of eight Samaa staffers led by Bureau Chief Iftikhar Shirazi tendered their resignations and now look set to join DawnNews.

There has also been a rumble at DawnNews where Matiullah Jan, Anchor and Assistant (Deputy) Bureau Chief, was terminated this month while Reporter Azaz Syed has submitted his resignation.

Mati has since joined Waqt News while it is not clear where Azaz will be heading.

On the other hand Mubashar Zaidi, Editor North of DawnNews and Reporter Abdul Shakoor Khan are also said to be on the hit-list of the management.

(This is an updated version and includes names of TV channels whose journalists were interviewed by Samaa. However, identities of individuals have been intentionally withheld since they are already working with different networks. – Ed)
 

KEY POINTS:

• Samaa TV management is interviewing candidates to fill eight resignations.
• Two ex-Geo TV journalists are likely to be hired: Asim Ali Rana and Naveed Siddiqui.
• Naveed Siddiqui is returning to Samaa after a stint at Geo TV.
• Staff resignations are expected to impact both Samaa and DawnNews.
• Other journalists from ARY News and Dunya are also being interviewed.