JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 07, 2022
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—The PML-N government has begun its operation clean-up starting from Pakistan Television, removing Managing Director Aamer Manzoor.
Manzoor turned the organization back on its feet by attracting Rs4 billion in the last nine months by selling commercial airtime (CAT/advertisement revenue).
Interestingly, the most significant chunk of this success came from PTV Sports, earning Rs2.6 billion (estimated to close the year at Rs2.9 billion) besides converting the channel to HD without incurring any expenditure on the organization.
PTV Sports now is the No. 1 channel on ratings, consumer demand, and revenue generation, besides boasting the most robust inventory within the territory of Pakistan. Dr. Nauman Niaz (pictured), a civil award-winning sports journalist and broadcaster can take credit for this.
The government has also removed Dr. Nauman from his position as director of sports & syndication without contemplating a suitable replacement. Insiders say it is a typical case of political victimization.
Ironically, Dr. Nauman was one of the founding members of PTV Sports and helped the channel earn Rs17 billion net since 2012, which is enormous considering the restrictions, the cash starvation, and impediments that one expects working in a public sector organization.
Dr. Nauman is a household name and has had an astoundingly successful career in sports journalism and broadcasting. Insiders say that he paid the cost of taking on Geo Network when PTVC signed the three-year contract with GroupM/ARY. Interestingly, Geo went to the court and had their petitions dismissed, the Lahore High Court terming the deal fair and under the procedures and rules.
Through their consortium with GroupM and ARY Network, PTV Sports earned Rs1.3 billion only from one event, the ICC World T 20, 2021. Reportedly, PTVC acquired the tournament rights for Rs500 million and earned Rs 800 million net. PTVC jointly bid for the PSL 7 & 8 rights with ARY and was the successful winner. Geo Network again went to the court against PTVC/ARY Network and the Pakistan Cricket Board and was smacked down again.
From JournalismPakistan.com archives:
Dr. Nauman Niaz reinstated as PTV Director Sports
Is there more to PTV Director Sports Dr Nauman Niaz's removal?
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.