Management claims PTV doing well
LAHORE: The Pakistan Television Corporation issued the following clarification on Saturday regarding the contents of a news conference by former Lahore general manager Shahid Mahmood Nadeem:
“The information provided by Mr Shahid Mahmood Nadeem is absolutely baseless and fabricated.
“The services of Mr Nadeem were terminated on account of misconduct after meeting all formalities. The corporation’s rules were strictly observed. He was given ample opportunity to defend himself before the final decision was made.
“In 1997, the PTV was facing a financial crisis, perhaps a disaster. Fresh ideas, new talent, modern techniques and technical facilities were lacking. The equipment was out-dated. Lack of vital inputs was hampering its progress and giving an edge to the competitors.
“Promoting competition with PTV’s talent was a strategy decided in the, past.
“PTV has recently expanded its network and its business has increased as a result. Obviously, the receivables figure, too, has increased as have the recoveries. This is a clear indicator of business success. This is borne out by the following table.
1996-97:(Rupees in million)
Total Income: 14,310
Profit/Loss: 148
Advertise Income: 1,010
Collection from Ad: 1,156
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1997-98:(Rupees in million)
Total Income: 1,718
Profit/Loss: 38
Advertise Income: 1,230
Collection from Ad: 1,208
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1998-99:(Rupees in million)
Total Income: 2,198
Profit/Loss: 247
Advertise Income: 1,653
Collection from Ad: 1,680
“The transmission hours have been increased and a new channel, PTV World, launched. PTV’s facilities were meant for seven hours of transmission for a day but these days PTV is airing about 40 hours of transmission through all its channels. Its market receivables have increased proportionately.
“PTV took a sharp turn to profit earning with the induction of the current management in early 1998. During the year 1996-97 PTV had lost Rs 148 million. In 1997-98 the figure was brought down to Rs 38 million. In the next two years, PTV achieved its targets and made a profit to the tune of Rs 247 million.
“As regards the recoveries from advertisers, the figure remained higher this year than the previous years. Income from advertisements during the year 1998-99 has been Rs 1,653 million. Collection from advertisers has gone up to Rs 1,680 million. The amount is considerably more than the recoveries from the advertisers over the last couple of years.
“The statement about overdraft for payment of salaries to PIV employees, it is totally false. PTV’s financial position is quite sound. Over the last 18 months, PTV has discharged its Rs 250 million liabilities piled up by the previous management. Payment of salaries is always on time. Besides, two bonuses have been paid to the employees this year.
“The sale of PTV time is transparent and crystal clear. It is open to all and sundry. We have a prescribed tariff card. It was the need of time to bring the private sector to the business of broadcasting. This is generating business openings for the private ‘production houses on one hand and PTV is getting quality productions without investing in equipment and manpower on the other.
Source: Dawn
Date:10/24/1999
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