JournalismPakistan.com | Published last week | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
NewsOne TV remains operational, but staff report widespread layoffs and delayed salaries, deepening concerns over Pakistan’s unstable media industry and deteriorating working conditions.Summary
ISLAMABAD — Contrary to earlier reports of a complete shutdown, NewsOne TV remains on air but is facing serious internal turmoil, including mass layoffs and delayed staff salaries.
A senior staff member confirmed to JournalismPakistan.com that while the station continues to broadcast, uncertainty and frustration have gripped employees. “As of today, the channel is operational, as are our other channels, TVOne and Waseeb, but there are issues of layoffs and payments,” he said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
"There has been a gradual downsizing at all three centres — Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. We tried to manage things for the past three months, but now there are plans to lay off more staff," he added.
Reports also indicate that Islamabad Bureau Chief Kashif Rafiq has resigned after allegedly being asked to enforce staff layoffs, a request he reportedly refused.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (Workers) (PFUJ-W) condemned the reported layoffs, saying the treatment of media workers at NewsOne reflects a growing pattern of exploitation and neglect across Pakistan’s media sector. “It is unacceptable that journalists and staff who have served their organizations loyally are being discarded without fair compensation or timely salaries,” the union said.
The crisis at News One highlights the financial and structural instability of Pakistan’s broadcast industry. Over the past decade, several channels, including Waqt News, Business Plus, Indus News (English), Express 24/7 (English), and AAP News, have either downsized or shut down, leaving hundreds jobless and prompting protests by journalist unions. Industry insiders warn that more outlets could face similar struggles unless reforms are introduced to protect journalists and ensure financial transparency.
Across Pakistan, media workers continue to face insecurity, delayed salaries, and abrupt dismissals, symptoms of a broader crisis with no immediate resolution. The situation at NewsOne underscores that even operational channels remain vulnerable in a system that has yet to safeguard the rights and welfare of media professionals.
Photo: Image is representational and does not depict actual News One TV staff or premises.
June 19, 2020: Urdu newspaper Jehan Pakistan has laid off four reporters and seven newsroom staff in Islamabad, shifting to an online-only format. The management has promised to settle all dues, including three months' wages, for the terminated employees.
May 03, 2020: ARY Digital Network announces a three-month salary cut to cope with the financial crisis due to COVID-19, exempting staff earning up to Rs100,000. DawnNews Television also reduces salaries by 10 percent.
May 01, 2020: DawnNews Television cuts staff salaries by 10 percent and halves fuel allowances amid ongoing financial challenges. This marks the third pay cut in a year, highlighting the severe impact on Pakistani journalists facing layoffs and delayed salaries since 2018.
March 05, 2020: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the sudden closure of the Daily Asian newspaper, which left 60 journalists jobless. PFUJ urges the government to regulate media licenses to prevent misuse.
October 02, 2019: ARY News and Aaj News Television have terminated 150 employees as part of a downsizing strategy, drawing condemnation from the IFJ and PFUJ. This follows previous layoffs at Dunya News, highlighting growing concerns over job security and unpaid wages for journalists in Pakistan.
October 01, 2019: Dunya Media Group has terminated over 80 employees from its Multan station, following similar layoffs in Lahore. The company plans to centralize operations with fewer staff. The move, which includes paying three months' salaries to laid-off employees, has faced condemnation from journalist unions and the IFJ.
September 26, 2019: Aaj News Television has laid off about a dozen employees from its Lahore and Islamabad offices, including assignment editors, reporters, and camerapersons. The terminations were reportedly abrupt, with no prior notice and no payment for three months' salaries as required by contract.
September 25, 2019: 24 News has terminated Sajid Mughal, their Malikwal correspondent, reportedly due to pressure from a political figure. Mughal had recently reported on an audio involving Muhammad Khan Bhatti, which led to his house being occupied and false FIRs filed against him. He claims his dismissal was without a show-cause notice or reason.
November 11, 2025 BBC reels from leadership resignations and Trump’s $1B lawsuit over an edited speech as outgoing chief Tim Davie rallies journalists to defend press freedom.
November 11, 2025 JournalismPakistan announces 'Once Upon a Newsroom', a storytelling series celebrating Pakistan’s newsroom heritage, beginning with The Muslim, the now-defunct independent daily from Islamabad.
November 11, 2025 Report finds 44 Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza displacement tents, highlighting threats to media freedom and independent reporting since October 2023.
November 11, 2025 British journalist Sami Hamdi was released from US ICE detention after visa revocation, highlighting risks to cross-border journalism and press freedom.
November 11, 2025 IJAS condemns rising attacks and threats against journalists in Serbia and calls for urgent investigations, police accountability, and stronger protection for media freedom.