![]() based in Lahore Pakistan | |
Country | ![]() |
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Broadcast area | South Asia, Middle East, United States, UAE, UK, Ireland, India, Bangladesh Europe |
Network | Lakson Group |
Headquarters | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
Programming | |
Language(s) | Urdu |
Picture format | (1080i 16:9 MPEG-4, HDTV) |
Ownership | |
Owner | Sultan Ali Lakhani |
Sister channels | Express Entertainment |
History | |
Launched | January 1, 2008 |
Links | |
Website | express.pk |
Availability | |
Streaming media | |
Express News Live | Watch Live |
Express News HD is an Urdu language Pakistani television news channel based in Karachi, launched on 1 January 2008. [1] [2] [3] It is owned by Lakson Group which also runs the country's third largest Urdu daily newspaper, Daily Express . The owners of the channel, launched 'Express 24/7', a 24-hour Pakistani English news channel on 5 February 2009. [1]
At its inception, the news channel introduced a comprehensive fleet of DSNG vans for live coverage across the country, reflecting the parent company's strategy for the Daily Express, which prioritized regional news through local editions. [1] While initially successful, attracting viewers seeking local and regional news and ranking as the second most-watched news channel in Pakistan, this advantage gradually declined as other channels also started providing extensive live local news coverage. [1]
The launch of Express News also coincided with a dispute between Jang Group and the then-serving president, Pervez Musharraf. Geo News underwent a temporary shutdown and had its main talk shows banned. [1] Express News utilized this circumstance to expand its viewership, focusing on immediate and location-specific news coverage. [1]
The channel maintains a balanced, market-friendly editorial approach and integrates entertainment into its current affairs coverage. [1] It displays a conservative socio-political leaning and a supportive attitude towards security and intelligence agencies. [1] However, these elements occasionally lead to significant self-censorship, directed by Sultan Ali Lakhani, aiming to maintain favorable relations with influential bodies and religious establishments. [1]