Fake 'BBC Urdu News Punjab TV' responds: 'Our BBC means Bhai Bhai Channel'

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD— In a twist straight out of a comedy sketch, a reporter from BBC Urdu News Punjab TV has responded to criticism by clarifying that their “BBC” doesn’t stand for the British Broadcasting Corporation at all.

In a clip circulating on social media, the female reporter named Mehrunisa calmly declared: “Their BBC stands for British Broadcasting Corporation; however, ours stands for Bhai Bhai Channel.” She added that the real BBC could always contact them directly via email, insisting, “We are not copying you.”

The statement has drawn laughs online, but it also comes in the middle of a serious warning issued just a day earlier by the actual BBC Urdu. On Friday, the international broadcaster raised concerns over the unauthorized use of its brand name by the digital media group calling itself “BBC Urdu News Punjab TV.”

In its clarification, the BBC stressed it had no connection with the organization or its reporters and had never granted permission for its name or branding to be used. It also urged Pakistani audiences to be cautious and verify all “BBC” content through official platforms.

The episode highlights the challenge of misinformation and fake news in Pakistan’s media landscape — even if, this time, the controversy came with a humorous punchline: apparently, one person’s BBC can be another’s Bhai Bhai Channel.