Govt to issue more TV channel licences
KARACHI – Federal Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on November 6, evening that the government was ready to issue licences to more private TV channels, adding that hard work was necessary to ensure their survival and growth.
Speaking at the launch party of seven new PTV plays produced in conjunction with the private sector, he said that only channels that were effective in their delivery of news and other productions would find a niche in the market.
Sheikh Rashid predicted that next year would be the year of the TV channel revolution. He stressed that there was no dearth of talent in the country and that if properly tapped into, the nation’s television channels could lead the region.
He urged private producers to use PTV studios to deliver low cost, high quality productions. He added that his ministry had released Rs840 million in funds so that PTV could furnish its studios and buy sophisticated line equipment.
Sheikh Rashid suggested a bank in the private sector to provide soft loans to private producers to facilitate their contribution in this field.
He underlined the need for increased competition between private and government TV channels to produce the best results. He added that he had issued licences to 34 private channels because he believed it was imperative to introduce the maximum number of private channels to reflect the social, political and economic changes taking place in the world.
He also urged those in the private sector seeking licences to launch their TV channels before the one-year sanction period came to an end.
The information minister called on private producers to ensure that their productions reflected real life, adding that this would prevent those suffering from depression from feeling isolated. He emphasised that the main objective should be the promotion of national integrity and safeguarding the welfare of the country. He said that Karachi represented a hub of talent and the people of the city should take the lead in electronic media projects.
Source: Daily Times
Date:11/8/2004
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