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Television in Pakistan started in 1964 and the first live transmission of Pakistan Television began on 26 November 1964, in Lahore. [1]
In 1955, Pakistan's first television showcase occurred near Mazar-e-Quaid on September 16, organized by the American consulate in Karachi.[ citation needed ] The initiative to establish the television industry stemmed from the National Education Commission, backed by President Ayub Khan. Originally a private project led by Syed Wajjid Ali in 1961, a joint venture agreement with Nippon Electric Company (NEC) was signed. Engineer Ubaidur Rahman, appointed by Wajjid Ali, oversaw the project. By 1963, the government took control for the "greater national interest." [2]
In 1964, the first official television station began broadcasts in Lahore, followed by Dhaka in 1965. Rawalpindi-Islamabad and Karachi centers were established in 1965 and 1966, respectively. Peshawar and Quetta centers followed by 1974. Initially under Television Promoters Company (TPC) in 1966, it was upgraded to Pakistan Television Corp in 1967. Nationalised in 1972, PTV's experimental color transmission started in 1976. [3] In 1987, the Pakistan Television Academy was founded for training in the evolving medium. In the late 1980s, morning transmissions commenced.
In 1990, the government launched the semi-government TV network "Peoples Television Network" (PTN) under Shalimar Recording Company, now Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company.[ citation needed ] PTN merged with Shalimar Recording Company in 1991, renaming the TV channel as Shalimar Television Network (STN). Starting in Islamabad and expanding to Karachi and Lahore, STN covered the entire country by the mid-1990s.
STN pioneered the terrestrial beam programming of CNN International in Pakistan, followed by BBC World. In 1990, PTN initiated the first private TV slot through an agreement with Inter-flow, giving rise to Network Television Marketing (NTM). STN's broadcast combined CNN programming, NTM's slot, and limited broadcasts of BBC World and German DW TV, continuing successfully until 1999. NTM introduced innovative and refreshing programming to Pakistani viewers. [4]
In 1991-1992, PTV Network introduced a comprehensive satellite broadcasting service, launching PTV-2 as Pakistan's first satellite channel in 1992. By 1994, PTV joined the satellite beam alongside PTV-2, which was later renamed PTV World in 1998. PTV-2/World also retained viewership on the terrestrial beam. In 1998, PTV collaborated with a private company (Prime Entertainment Network) to initiate PTV Prime, catering exclusively to European audiences and later expanding to American viewers. Digital TV satellite broadcasting commenced in 1999, with PTV/PTV-1 gaining an independent satellite beam in 2001. In 1999, financial losses led to the shutdown of NTM, causing STN to cease CNN International broadcasts and limit programming from BBC World and DW TV. PTV Network took over STN in 1999, renaming it Channel-3, which began regular transmissions in 2000, accompanied by a satellite beam.
In 2000, The government of Pakistan opened up new ways for the media industry of Pakistan by allowing private TV channels to operate openly even to telecast their own news and current affairs content. ARY Digital was launched in September 2000, Geo Entertainment in August 2002, Aaj TV in March 2005 and Hum TV was launched in January 2005, and the phenomenon went on. In 2005, Channel-3 ceased operations, leading Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company to rebrand its TV channel as ATV through a joint venture with SSI. [5] ATV became Pakistan's sole semi-private TV channel, broadcasting on both terrestrial and satellite platforms. However, it evolved into a semi-government channel as SRBC did not renew its agreement with SSI.
In 2007, PTV-1 was rebranded as PTV Home, while PTV World went off air temporarily, resuming in 2012-13 as Pakistan's sole English language/pure satellite channel. PTV News replaced PTV World in 2007. PTV Home, PTV News (both state-owned), and ATV (semi-private) are broadcast on terrestrial and satellite beams. PTV Sports, initiated recently, airs on terrestrial beams during significant national and international sports events. In 2005, PTV Prime became an independent entity, and in 2006, PTV launched PTV Global exclusively for Americas and Europe.
A pivotal moment in the history of television in Pakistan occurred in the year 2002 with the liberalisation of the media industry. [6] This transformative development marked a departure from the previously tightly controlled landscape, ushering in a new era of diversity, competition, and expanded opportunities for broadcasters. [7] The government's decision to open up the media sector allowed private television channels to operate openly, telecasting their own news, current affairs, and entertainment content.
This liberalisation led to the emergence of a dynamic and competitive television market, with several private channels making their debut. Channels like ARY Digital, Geo Entertainment, and Hum TV were launched, introducing a diverse range of programming to the Pakistani audience. The newfound freedom and autonomy provided to private broadcasters paved the way for innovative and varied content, reflecting the rich culture of the nation. The liberalisation not only transformed the television landscape but also played a crucial role in shaping public discourse and access to information. [8]
In Pakistan only the national broadcasters are allowed to use terrestrial airwaves. Three free to air TV Channels are available on terrestrial beam, these are PTV Home, PTV News and ATV. PTV Sports is available in place of PTV Home or PTV News when an important match/event has to be given live coverage as PTV has the rights for sports coverage at terrestrial airwaves. Transmissions of AJK TV are available on terrestrial network in the northern areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir only. Recently Pakistan has launched Digital terrestrial broadcast in selected areas only in collaboration with China. Through DTMB five TV channels of PTV Network, ATV and two Chinese TV Channels are available via terrestrial beam.
Many national and international channels are available via satellite. Some National TV Channels are "pay to watch". Internet Protocol TV Service is provided by Pakistan Telecommunications company limited which is of high quality and is quite popular in the urban centres. Cable TV Networks are the most famous mode of television distribution in Pakistan. No direct to home (DTH) service is available in Pakistan, though efforts are being made in this regard.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority regularises the TV Channels in Pakistan. This authority issues licences for the launch of any TV Channel in Pakistan. Above mentioned national broadcasters, i.e PTV Corp and SRBC do not come under purview of PEMRA.
The landscape of television in Pakistan is marked by a significant regulatory framework, with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) playing a central role in overseeing and governing the industry. Established in 2002, PEMRA serves as the regulatory body responsible for issuing licenses, ensuring compliance with codes of conduct, and maintaining standards across the electronic media sector. [9]
PEMRA's mandate encompasses television, radio, and other electronic media platforms. The authority is entrusted with the task of fostering a media environment that adheres to ethical and professional standards while promoting freedom of expression. Over the years, PEMRA has been actively involved in shaping and refining policies to address the evolving challenges and dynamics of the media landscape. [10]
The regulatory framework includes guidelines on content, licensing, and advertising standards, with PEMRA playing a vital role in maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and responsible media practices. [11] The authority has the power to grant and revoke licenses, ensuring that broadcasters adhere to the established regulations. Moreover, PEMRA regularly reviews and updates its policies to keep pace with technological advancements and changing societal norms.
While the regulatory framework ensures accountability and responsible broadcasting, it has also sparked discussions about the delicate balance between regulation and freedom of the press. [12]
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has not been immune to criticism, sparking discussions on the delicate balance between regulation and the principles of a free press in Pakistan. One recurring critique revolves around the perceived susceptibility of PEMRA to political influence, raising concerns about its impartiality. Critics argue that selective application of regulations and decisions influenced by political considerations may compromise the independence of media outlets. [13] Another issue is the process of license issuance and revocation, with claims of arbitrariness. Critics contend that such perceived inconsistencies could potentially stifle the diversity of voices and perspectives in the media landscape. [14] While PEMRA is entrusted with maintaining responsible media practices, ongoing discourse about its transparency and impartiality reflects the challenges inherent in regulating a dynamic and rapidly evolving media environment in Pakistan.
Public broadcasting involves radio, television, and other electronic media outlets whose primary mission is public service. Public broadcasters receive funding from diverse sources including license fees, individual contributions, public financing, and commercial financing, and avoid political interference or commercial influence.
Pakistan Television Corporation is the Pakistani state-owned broadcaster founded by the Government of Pakistan, operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It was established on 26 November 1964, with a pilot television station established at Lahore.
People's Television Network is the flagship state broadcaster owned by the Government of the Philippines. Founded in 1974, PTV is the main brand of People's Television Network, Inc. (PTNI), one of the attached agencies under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Bangladesh Television, commonly known by its acronym BTV, is the state-owned television network of Bangladesh. It is also known as 'Batabi Lebu Television'. The network was originally established as the East Pakistan branch of PTV in 1964. It is the oldest Bengali-language television network in the world, and is the sister to the radio broadcaster Bangladesh Betar, which, along with BTV, are both owned and operated by the government.
The television industry in Turkiye includes high-tech program production, transmission, and coverage. Turkish Radio and Television Corporation is Turkiye's largest and most powerful national television station. As of 2022, there are 498 television channels in Turkey, ranking fourth in Europe in terms of the number of television channels. Turkey is the world's fastest-growing television series exporter and has currently overtaken both Mexico and Brazil as the world's second-highest television series exporter after the United States. Turkish television drama has grown since the early 2000s.
PTV Global is a Pakistani basic cable and satellite television channel by Pakistan Television Corporation that is aired nationwide as well as in Europe and United States. Its broadcasts selected programming from PTV Home, PTV National, PTV News and other PTV-run networks. On air since April 2006, PTV Global is available via Dish Network in the US. Part of the Pakistan Television Corporation brand name, it is under control of the Government of Pakistan. In the United Kingdom PTV Global is free-to-air on Sky Channel 735 and also in Mainland Europe on Astra 2G.
ATV is a Pakistani General Entertainment Channel which airs acquired serials from other channels like A Plus,PTV Home and HUMTVHD. It also shows kids programs as well as talk shows and Morning Show.
PTV News HD is a 24-hour Urdu News channel owned by the Pakistan Television Corporation. It also broadcast as Terrestrial television. PTV News is a cable and satellite news channel launched in the face of tough international competition. Its objective is providing updated news round the clock and informs its viewers across the country on the latest newsworthy happenings on the national and international levels.
Network Television Marketing or NTM was Pakistan's first private television slot. The company's productions first aired on Peoples TV Network in 1990. In the 1990s, PTN entered into a three-year agreement with Interflow and created NTM Its broadcasts on STN started in 1992, alongside the channel. One of its initial figures was Tahir Khan, who later owned TV One.
Mass media in Pakistan provides information on television, radio, cinema, newspapers, and magazines in Pakistan. Pakistan has a vibrant media landscape; among the most dynamic in South Asia and world. Majority of media in Pakistan is privately owned. Pakistan has around 300 privately owned daily newspapers. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, they had a combined daily sale of 6.1 million copies in 2009. Television is the main source of news and information for people in Pakistan's towns, cities and large areas of the countryside. Marketing research company Gallup Pakistan, estimated there were 86 million TV viewers in Pakistan in 2009.
PTV Home HD is a Pakistani free-to-air television channel owned by the Pakistan Television Corporation. It also broadcast as a Terrestrial television.
Television is one of the most popular forms of media and information in Bangladesh. It was one of the first countries in South Asia to introduce television on 25 December 1964, in the then East Pakistan under the state-owned television network Pakistan Television Corporation in its capital, Dhaka. After the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, the Dhaka television station of PTV was renamed to Bangladesh Television, which had a monopoly on the country's television industry until 1997, with the launch of ATN Bangla on satellite television. Since then, the number of privately owned television channels saw a tremendous rise in the Bangladeshi television market.
Nickelodeon Pakistan or Nick Pakistan, is a pay Pakistani television channel. It is the Pakistani feed of Nickelodeon, which is operated by domestic media company ARY Group's Digital Network subsidiary under a brand licensing and programming agreement with Paramount Networks EMEAA. The network transmits over the AsiaSat 7 satellite to cable and satellite viewers in Pakistan and features some portions of the schedule dubbed or subtitled in Urdu, along with some content directly imported from its Indian sister network. It also occasionally licenses Western market children's films.
DD Chennai, formerly known as DD Madras, is a state-owned television channel telecasting from Doordarshan Kendra, Chennai.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (abbreviated as MoIB) is a Cabinet-level ministry of Government of Pakistan, responsible to release government information, media galleries, public domain and government unclassified non-scientific data to the public and international communities. The MoIB has jurisdiction for administrating the rules and regulations and laws relating to information, broadcasting and the press media in Pakistan.
PTV Sports HD is a 24-hour state-owned sports channel operated by the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV).
Shalimar Television Network (STN) was the first semi governmental television channel of Pakistan, the first to break up the monopoly of state-owned Pakistan Television (PTV). STN started its broadcast in 1990 with the name of People's Television Network (PTN) under the umbrella of Shalimar Recording Company from Islamabad. Later on, its transmissions were started from Karachi, Lahore and by the mid-1990s, it was available in the whole country at terrestrial beam. In 1991, the name of PTN was changed to STN
Asghar Nadeem Syed is a Pakistani playwright, TV drama serial writer and poet. He has written shows for the Pakistani state channel, PTV, Shalimar Television Network.
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