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Pakistan Television Corporation

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Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV HD)
Type
BrandingPTV
Country
Pakistan
AvailabilityNationwide and Worldwide
HeadquartersIslamabad
Broadcast area
Pakistan and World
OwnerMinistry of Information and Broadcasting,
Government of Pakistan
Key people
Sohail Ali Khan
(Managing Director)
Launch date
26 November 1964;59 years ago(1964-11-26)
Picture format
1080pHDTV(downscaled to16:9576iforSDTVsets)
Official website
www.ptv.com.pk
LanguageUrdu, English

Pakistan Television Corporation(Urdu:پاکستان ٹیلی وژن نیٹ ورک;reporting name:PTV) is thePakistanistate-ownedbroadcasterfounded by theGovernment of Pakistan,owned by theMinistry of Information and Broadcasting.It was established on 26 November 1964, with a pilot television station established atLahore.[1]

Background[edit]

Historical context[edit]

The idea of establishing a media and television industry was conceived in late 1956 and created by the privately set up national education commission, with the support ofPresidentAyub Khanin 1960.[2]In 1961, theprivate sectormedia mogul and industrialistSyed Wajid Alilaunched a television industrial development project, bringing the role ofUbaidur Rahman,anelectrical engineerin the Engineering Division ofRadio Pakistan,as the project director of the first television station inLahore.[2]Ali reached a milestone in 1961 after establishing a private television broadcasting company with the cooperation ofNippon Electric Company(NEC) of Japan andThomas Television Internationalof theUnited Kingdom.[2]

In 1963, a public meeting was chaired by PresidentAyub Khan;in which the government made decisions about the Pakistan Television stations and the media industry in the country.[2]Since 1963, its headquarters are in Islamabad, near theCabinet Secretariat.From 1961 to 1962, a television headquarters was established inLahoreand several pilot transmission tests were taken by Rahman's team. Subsequently, many television divisions were established throughout Pakistan by this team, includingEast-Pakistan.[2]

First-ever broadcast and private ownership[edit]

On 26 November 1964, after an introduction bySyed Wajid Ali,the first-ever news broadcast was done which was beamed as ablack and whitetransmission by the PTV. The first programme, formatted by Thomson Television International, telecast amateur programmes withforeign films;the television division in thePunjab Provincewas established with the help ofUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),theColombo Plan,and theGovernment of Japan.[2]Aslam Azhar(1932–- 29 December 2015) was appointed the firstmanaging directorof thePakistan Televisionin charge of all the staffing requirements at the first PTVLahoreCenter. This first managing director and executiveAslam Azharis widely considered to be the "father of Pakistan Television".[3]Private industries commercials were permitted with no fee; initially all the commercials of industrial conglomerates were tax-free with no additional charges.[2]

The PTV remained under theprivate sectormanagement with more than half of the shares were sold toMinistry of Information and Broadcastingin a fear that all shares would fall into the hands of government in the name of greater interest of the country.[2]PresidentAyub Khanappointed Ubaidur Rahman in the Ministry of Information to continue with the NEC joint venture collaboration in launching the PTV.

The project began with a tent on the back lot ofPakistan Broadcasting CorporationbyUbaidur Rahmanwhere a transmission tower and a studio were constructed by his team. On 26 November 1964, President Ayub Khan inaugurated the first official television station commencing transmission broadcasts fromLahore,followed byDaccaon 25 December 1964 (then the capital ofEast Pakistan;renamed toBangladesh Televisionin 1971), a third centre was established inRawalpindiandIslamabadin 1965 and the fourth inKarachiin 1966.[2]On 29 May 1967, a private company was established asPakistan Television Corporationunder the Company Act, 1913, whereas the private sector remained charged with broadcasting on the television.[2]At that time, all studio programmes were telecasted live as no VTR recording machines were available, which were made available in 1968.[1]

Nationalization of Pakistan Television[edit]

After theIndo-Pakistani warin 1971, the PTV wasnationalizedand brought in completely under thegovernment-ownershipmanagement by the thenPresidentZulfikar Ali Bhutto's government.[2]Communication network expansion was vast by the PTV and government publicly funded its infrastructure expansion all over the country.[2]

Promotion ofregional literature,science-fiction miniseries,country music,andromanticizingrural values indrama playwrightswereon-airedby the PTV, at the behest of public funding by theGovernment of Pakistan.[4]The PTV was considered as source of majornational integration.[5]

Microwave National Network was established among the centres of PTV in 1973 while Quetta and Peshawer centers were started in 1974.[1]

The PTVtransmissionswitched over from its originalblack and whitetocolor transmissionin 1975.[1][6]Regional headquarters of PTV and television centers were established inPeshawarandQuettain 1974.[4]In 1977–78, the PTV broadcast the liveCricketmatch betweenEngland vs. Pakistan.[7]During this time, the PTV's interview programming series brought many scientists, politicians, sportsmen, actors, musicians, and artists to public fame.[2]

Development[edit]

By the 1980s, the transmissions of PTV could be reached over 90% area of Pakistan.[4]In 1980s, the PTV was the sole provider oftelevision,and dominated the electronic media industry.[5]During 1980s, theconservative ideaswere promoted on the PTV as part of the government policy, and heavy investments were made on the promotion of education programming series.[5]

During the decades of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, PTV dramas and teleplays were considered as the best in theIndian subcontinent.These includedKhuda Ki Basti(1969–74),Parchaiyan(1976),Unkahi(1982),Tanhaiyaan(1985),Aangan Terha,Fifty Fifty(1979–84),Khawaja and Son(1985),Studio Dhai(2-1/2),Studio Ponay Teen (2-3/4),Andhera Ujala(1984),Sona Chandi(1983),Uncle Urfi(1972),Taleem-e-Balighan,Alif Noon(1981–82),Waaris(1979),Dhoop Kinare(1987),Sunehray Din,Guest House(1991),Ainak Wala Jin(1993)Alpha Bravo Charlie(1998),Ana,Akhri Chatan,Zair, Zabar, Pesh(1974–75) and block buster serials likeDhuwan(1994),Kath Putli,Wafa Ham Nibhaein Gay,Bandhan,Kaghaz Kay Phool,Muqqdas,Bint-e-Adam,Malangi (2006),Sawan,Sheela Bagh,Tinkay,Aisa Bhi Hota Hai,Rasta De Zindagi,Chubhan,Kuch Lamhay,Khuwahesho Kay Sarab,and many others.

In 1990s, the PTV's programming was said initially to have intellectual appeal but succumbed to commercial pressure.[5]In 1992, the composition of PTV's programming was based upon on 56% of entertainment, and only 25% of news and educational programmes. About 54% of national programming was based onUrduand only 16% accounted forEnglish.[5]In response to challenges by private channels such asSTNandNTMas well as Indian channels. PTV started its second TV Channel PTV-2 in 1992, it was the first-ever satellite channel of Pakistan as well. PTV-2 was the first Pakistani channel to appear on airwaves of Asia, Africa and Australia. PTV/PTV-1 joined this very satellite beam in 1993–94. PTV-2 was renamed as PTV World in 1998 and became digital on satellite in 1999. PTV expanded its broadcast area to Europe and later in North America in public-private partnership as PTV-Prime. STN came under PTV in 1999 as Channel-3 and started its regular broadcast with new name in 2000 as an all purpose channel. STN/Channel-3 was also visible on satellite.

State capital revenue[edit]

Unlike other state-run corporations, Pakistan Television Corporation was allowed by theGovernment of Pakistanto raise a sizable amount of privatecapitalto finance the stations. This includes aRs.35 per monthTV feecharge to all consumers of electricity.[8]

Programming policy[edit]

The broader perspective to start electronic media in the country was to inform and educate the people through wholesome entertainment and to inculcate in them a greater awareness of their own history, heritage, current problems and development as well as knowledge of the world at large.

In fulfillment of its broad and main objectives, PTV's broadcast policy concerning matters of national and international interests has always been motivated and guided by the cardinal principles of educating viewers about the values that are vitally important in building a united, integrated and disciplined society. These objectives have successfully been achieved through programmes centered towards Islam, education, entertainment and culture.

The projection of new, emerging social order is highlighted in PTV's general programming, focusing on themes like morality, civic or national responsibilities, drive againstnarcotics,environmentalpollution,agriculturalreforms etc. through discussions, shows, and through anchorpersons in its broadcasting schedule.

Censorship[edit]

PTV, being the state broadcaster, has exclusive access to telecast parliamentary sessions. It has been observed to censor speeches of opposition leaders on several occasions.[9]During March 2024, the broadcaster censored the speeches ofAkhtar Mengal,Asad Qaiser,Mahmood Khan Achakzai,andOmar Ayub.The speeches of Achakzai, Ayub, and Mengal were completely blacked out for speaking about Pakistani military's interference in the political process. In response, the lawmakers submitted a privilege motion against the broadcaster.[10]

Channels[edit]

PTV had been received via satellite inSouth Asia,East Asiaand theMiddle East,Africa,EuropeandNorth America.Selected programming could be seen on a satellite channel named Prime TV (with a partnership with PTV) in theUnited Kingdom,EuropeandNorth Americauntil 22 April 2006. On 22 April 2006,Pakistan Television Corporationstarted broadcasting directly to overseas viewers including the US. This remains true as of January 2016.

PTV operates the following channels:

  • PTV Home– 24-hour HD Entertainment channel (the original PTV also called as PTV ONE), the transmission is broadcast across Pakistan onterrestrialnetwork and worldwide through satellite. The content of the terrestrial and satellite channel is different, for example, terrestrial programming includes live telecast of Pakistan'scricketmatches but satellite channel cannot broadcast these matches.
  • PTV News– 24-hour Urdu HD News Channel which can be viewed in many parts of the globe. Replaced PTV World in 2007.[1]
  • PTV Sports– 24-hour HD Sports channel that started its regular transmission from January 2012, it was planned in 2003 inMir Zafarullah Khan Jamali's tenure but not launched due to political reasons. Now it's a cricket channel which is scrambled and not free for viewers on satellite. Another channel for sports is in pipeline since February 2016.
  • PTV World– 24-hour SD English News and Current affairs channel. Started as PTV-2 in 1992 as first satellite channel of Pakistan, was given a new name of PTV World in 1998 later and went off air in 2007, it was re-launched in January 2013.
  • PTV Global– Offered exclusively for thePakistani diasporain theUnited StatesonDish Network,andEurope.
  • PTV National– An emphasis on broadcasting programmes in different languages to represent the whole of Pakistan.
  • AJK TV [PTV Azad Jammu & Kashmir]– For the residents ofAzad Jammu and Kashmir.
  • PTV Bolan– For speakers ofBalochiPashtoandBrahvi.
  • PTV Parliament– Launched on 30 May 2018, brings live proceedings of Pakistani parliament and its committees.[11]
  • PTV Teleschool- Launched on 14 April 2020, to compensate for academic loss in light of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[12]

In May 2021, PTV News & PTV World started broadcasting onYouTubewith high definition transmission to start from June 2021.

Pakistan Television News informs its viewers across the country on the latest newsworthy happenings on the national and international levels. During the past few years, there has been rapid expansion in the area and scope of news coverage.

  • Following the Pakistani private news channels, PTV News gives on-camera reporting and special news reports.
  • PTV news broadcasts stretch over from early morning till midnight. There are news bulletins in Urdu, English, Arabic and Kashmiri languages. All the news bulletins are being aired on the national network which are beamed through satellite to more than 38 countries.
  • Regional language bulletins include Punjabi, Pothohari and Saraiki from Lahore Centre, Sindhi from Karachi Centre, Pushto and Hindko from Peshawar, and Baluchi, Pushto and Bravi from Quetta Centre are telecast.
  • To bring home maximum coverage of international events, PTV news has made arrangements with leading news agencies, to satellite news items to PTV Islamabad round the clock. PTV news covers all visits abroad of VVIPs, international conferences, and important other events through its own camera teams and makes possible to air them live.

Divisions[edit]

Current Affairs Division[edit]

Current affairs programmes have been a regular feature of PTV Transmission, ever since its inception. A separate PTV Current Affairs Directorate was established in 1982.

Current affairs programmes, including regional languages, produced by each of the TV Centre are accommodated in regular PTV transmission. The themes of regional language programs mainly revolve around local and provincial matters of current affairs nature. The Current Affairs Division produces programs on special occasions such as live telecast of Armed Forces Parade on Pakistan Day, live telecast of flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day, Head of State's Address to the Nation, documentaries on important national projects, live telecast of certain sessions of Senate and National Assembly. In the program Open Forum, Federal Ministers/Minister of States are invited to answer the questions through e-mail, on Telephone and by Media/Experts sitting in the various studios of Ptv. This program is live and is very popular amongst viewers.

Sports Division[edit]

  • Division was created in 1983 to provide healthy entertainment to viewers. It has emerged as an extremely productive and earning division for the PTV.
  • The chief objectives of this division are to arrange healthy sports entertainment through the coverage of exciting moments and happening in the field of sports and to keep the viewers abreast with the National and International sports event.
  • Sports Division is producing 200 minutes regular weekly transmission on PTV apart from occasional international/national sports coverage. PTV televises live national and international sports around the world, keeping in view the interest of Pakistani viewers.

PTV Films Division[edit]

On 9 June 2022Minister of Information and BroadcastingMarriyum Aurangzeband PTV launches PTV Films Division along with another initiative was being launched by the name ofPTV Flixwhich would feature the 75 years of rich content in the form of dramas, films and other genres in the archives of PTV. The purpose of these is to bring films to the PTV screen but also to generate quality content in the country.[13][14]

International Relations Division[edit]

International Relations Division of Pakistan Television Corporation participates in the international television festivals/competitions sending best of its PTV programs to them. PTV has won distinguished prizes and commendations at those events.

A large number of PTV programs have been sold for telecast in other countries which resulted in strengthening of the financial condition of PTV. Such companies as Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company and Sports Star International Company are the major distributors of PTV programmes.

A lot of PTV plays and documentaries have been provided to foreign countries through government ministries and missions abroad free of charge for the projection of Pakistan and its people.

Dubbing and editing is carried out by PTV International Relations Division. Some selected programs are subtitled in English and Arabic languages for overseas projection especially for Muslim countries. Documentaries from National Geographic Magazine are being televised with Urdu dubbing.

PTV has procured foreign canned programs on hire/rental basis. PTV procures foreign programs including feature films, cartoons, science fiction, comedy, adventure, classic drama serials/series and public general-interest programs.

PTV Engineering Division[edit]

The Engineering Division takes care of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of PTV centers and Rebroadcast Stations, new projects, Planning & Procurement, as well as Research and Development activities.

It was an engineering feat at the time Pakistan began television transmissions in 1964 at Lahore, long before its neighbors Iran in 1966 and India in 1965. Over the years, the system has grown into a countrywide network offering two programming channels. The engineering feat was a success because NEC (Nippon Electronic Corporation) co-operated with and helped PTV launching.

Information Technology Division[edit]

The IT Department was established as a Division of PTV in 1988 and as of today has a team of 450 IT professionals with representation in all PTV Centres namely Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Quetta and Muzafarabad, AJK as well as at the PTV Headquarters in Islamabad. The IT Department provides in-house software for the News systems for PTV-News, which includes all electronic news collection, relay and on-screen presentation. In-house software created by the IT Department including mNIMS & NAPeS for PTV-News, MAPS-RT for playback installed at all PTV Centres, software for Accounting and Medical database management as well as numerous others for the automation of processes at PTV.

PTV Censor Board[edit]

Shortly after the VTR was brought to PTV in 1967, they needed a way to know if the recorded programs were suitable for TV airing. Therefore, PTV Censor Board was formed in 1968 and is headed by Director Programs Administration. It was separately instituted within PTV on the approval of the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in December 1980 to clear and certify bulk of imported and locally acquired programs with speed and efficiency. PTV Consultant of News/Current Affairs/Presentation presently heads the PTV Censor Board.

Training academy[edit]

Main article:PTV Academy

Established in 1987, Pakistan Television Academy is an apex TV institution in Pakistan, which imparts professional training in disciplines of television broadcast technology. It is headed by a full-time director and assisted by a team of television professionals who are members of the academic faculty.[1]

As of June 1998, over 3100 people had attended training programmes conducted by PTV Academy. They attended training courses in engineering, computers, finance, administration, news, current affairs and programme production. They included visiting participants from other countries includingSAARCcountry members.

Pakistan Television Corporation Network Channels List[edit]

Pakistan Television Corporation Upcoming Channels List[edit]

  • PTV Cricket HD
  • PTV Films HD
  • PTV Entertainment HD
  • PTV Mehran HD
  • PTV Kids HD
  • PTV Music HD

[edit]

Ubaidur Rahman the first general manager and originator of PTV commissioned Pakistan's supremo artistAbdur Rahman Chughtaito design a conceptual logo for PTV, this logo was later redesigned with minor modifications by another leading artist Shahzad Nawaz Khan for a more up-to-date look. Recently in the year 2016, PTV's channel logos were redesigned by PTV's Creative Manager (Design) Babur Saghir. By redesigning the logos of these ten channels of PTV his design philosophy was as follows: "The harmony in the design of our new logos depicts unity and connectivity. The non-conventional shape represents modernity, innovation and the new age of PTV. PTV engraved on gold symbolizes the last 50 years of our very strong connection with our audience (PTV Golden Anniversary was celebrated in 2014). The diverse colour palette is representative of the diversity of our people. The golden stroke shows dynamism and the transformation of PTV."

Corporate management[edit]

Thechairman/CEOis appointed by theprime ministerand, finally confirmation approved by thepresident.The chairman heads theboard of governorsthat are appointed by theGovernment of Pakistanto manage its affairs and reports directly to theInformation Secretary of Pakistan.

Themanaging director(MD) is the administrative head of the PTV with executive responsibilities. The appointment of MD comes from the approval from theGovernment of Pakistanand approval from the chairman of the PTV.

The early team in 1964 at PTV-Lahore Center[edit]

  • Ubaidur Rahman– founder and chief executive officer of PTV; first general manager, by the appointment ofPresident Ayub Khanin 1964
  • Aslam Azhar– first managing director of PTVLahoreTelevision Center (26 November 1964)
  • Nisar Hussain – first program producer / director of PTV- Lahore Center)
  • Rashid Khan – (1968 - 1971) Chief Film Executive and General Manager (PTV HQ)
  • Mumtaz Hamid Rao– first news reporter in the field, later news editor and head of news and current affairs
  • Zubair Chaudhry
  • Fazal Kamal – hired away from oldRadio Pakistan,Karachistation byAslam Azharto join his PTV Lahore Center team in 1964
  • Nisar Mirza – cameraman
  • Khurshid Akhtar Naqvi – cameraman
  • Mustafa Kamal Mandokhail
  • Sharif Khan Poonchwaley– sitar player
  • Tufail Niazi– folk singer
  • Qavi Khan– Actor
  • Muslehuddin – first news reporter of PTV Programs atLahoreTelevision Center
  • Zafar Samdani – first news editor at PTV Lahore Center
  • Tariq Aziz– first on-air news broadcaster PTVLahoreTelevision Center (26 Nov 1964)
  • Kanwal Hameed – first female news broadcaster
  • Syed Mohsin Ali was the legendary drama producer ofPTV News,who produced popular and award-winning drama serials includingTanhaian,Ankahi,Aathwaan Samandar,and the serialJinnah say Quaid,about the founder of PakistanMuhammad Ali Jinnah.Ali was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award and many otherPTV Awards.He was also the teacher of famous film and drama producerShoaib Mansoor.They jointly produced the drama serialSunehry Din.

PTV personalities[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^abcdefghij"History of Pakistan Television Network".Archived fromthe originalon 28 August 2008.Retrieved19 November2023.
  2. ^abcdefghijklmIndrajit Banerjee; Stephan Logan, eds. (2008)."Television in Pakistan".Asian Communication Handbook, 2008.New York: Asian Media Information and Communication Centre. pp. 377–400.ISBN978-981-4136-10-5.
  3. ^PTV to launch a new sports channel in FebruaryHipInPakistan.com website, Retrieved 19 November 2023
  4. ^abcQadeer, Mohammad (22 November 2006)."Development and Countryside"(google books).Pakistan – Social and Cultural Transformations in a Muslim Nation.Routledge, Qadeer.ISBN978-1-134-18617-4.
  5. ^abcdeThomas, Amos Owen (3 October 2005).Imagi-Nations and Borderless Television: Media, Culture and Politics Across Asia.SAGE, Thomas.ISBN978-0-7619-3396-0.
  6. ^Gunaratne, Shelton A., ed. (2000).Handbook of the media in Asia(1. Aufl. ed.). New Delhi [u.a.]: Sage, Gunaratne. p.62.ISBN0-7619-9427-0.
  7. ^Samiuddin, Osman (December 2014).The Unquiet Ones: A History of Pakistan Cricket.HarperCollins Publishers India.ISBN978-93-5029-802-2.
  8. ^"AsiaMedia:: PAKISTAN: PTV to earn Rupees 4 billion through license fees: New collection system".AsiaMedia Archives website.Archived fromthe originalon 17 September 2011.Retrieved19 November2023.
  9. ^Editorial (6 March 2024)."Selective broadcasting".DAWN.COM.Retrieved7 March2024.
  10. ^Ali, Kalbe (5 March 2024)."PTV continues blackout of opposition lawmakers in NA coverage".DAWN.COM.Retrieved7 March2024.
  11. ^"Marriyum Aurangzeb launches PTV Parliament channel – Daily Times".srytv.com.pk.30 May 2018.
  12. ^"Teleschool goes on air today to compensate for academic loss".Dawn (newspaper).14 April 2020.Retrieved24 January2022.
  13. ^"Marriyum Aurangzeb launches PTV films and Pakflex projects".The Express Tribune newspaper.9 June 2022.Retrieved19 November2023.
  14. ^"Celebs shower wishes as Pakistan Television launches PTV Films".Associated Press of Pakistan website.9 June 2022.Retrieved19 November2023.
  15. ^Urdu Literature: Bokhari of the radioDawn newspaper, Published 31 October 2010, Retrieved 19 November 2023
  16. ^"Ashfaq Ahmed profile".PTV GLOBAL website.Archived fromthe originalon 10 May 2015.Retrieved19 November2023.
  17. ^"Bushra Ansari profile".PTV GLOBAL website.Archived fromthe originalon 11 May 2015.Retrieved19 November2023.

External links[edit]

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