PTV English ready for New Year start

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 21 December 2012

Pakistan Television (PTV) plans to launch an English language channel at the start of 2024, directly addressing recent market challenges. The initiative is led by Managing Director Yousuf Baig Mirza and aims to offer news and entertainment programming.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Television (PTV), unmoved by the demise of two English language channels, is going ahead to launch one of its own at the start of the New Year.

PTV Managing Director Yousuf Baig Mirza sees it as a challenge. “It is a difficult initiative and we are aware it won’t be commercially viable, given that two private English channels closed down. This is a challenge in itself.”

DawnNews switched its medium of language from English to Urdu while Express 24/7 shut down completely because of low viewership and poor revenues.

Baig, told journalists in Karachi the new English language channel would hit the airwaves between January 7 and 10. It will air news, current affairs and entertainment programs.

KEY POINTS:

• PTV is launching an English language channel despite market challenges.
• The new channel is expected to be on air between January 7 and 10.
• Two private English channels have recently shut down due to low viewership.
• The channel will feature news, current affairs, and entertainment programs.
• Managing Director Yousuf Baig Mirza acknowledges the risks involved.