Despite the consistent negative air of criticism around it, the media industry in Pakistan is booming and so are the number of channels ; joining the growing list is Pakistan’s first dedicated current affairs channel – Channel 24.
Owned by CEO Mohsin Naqvi, the channel belongs to Lahore centric City FM 42 radio channel andDaily City 42 newspaper. The launch ceremony for the channel was held in Lahore on Oct 22nd, 2014.
Channel 24 has already grabbed the industry attention by gathering some of the top-notch journalists and analysts under one roof. Some of the big names who will be seen on Channel 24 include, Dr. Shahid Masood, Oryan Maqbool Jan, Mujahid Barelvi, Ali Mumtaz and Sajjad Mir.
The team behind the Channel 24 is keen on differentiating itself from other regular news channels by positioning itself as ‘Pakistan’s First Current Affairs Channel’
According to its website,
“Channel 24 seeks to enlighten its viewers with quality analysis from renowned journalists and anchors. Stemming away from the traditional news channel, Channel 24 will be a unique channel offering invigorating discussions and mentally stimulating news analysis.”
With particular emphasis on hard-hitting analysis and discussions on latest happenings, the channel has presence in New York, Karachi, Lahore Islamabad, Dubai and London. Some programs aired on the Channel 24 include Ali on Air, Breakfast with Sajjad Mir, Vision News by Shahid Masood, DNA with Arif Nizami and Mujahid Live.
Media in Pakistan is often criticized for exaggerating information, misleading information and for beating around one topic in endless discussions that usually end up in fights. Whether Channel 24 will thrive in the cut throat competition and earn its business share in an already cluttered industry is a question best left for the time to decide.
Does our TV industry has a room for another current affairs channel? Tell us in the comments below.
