By Umair Wahid
The News Industry in Pakistan has been one of the leading and excelling industries, and it is not a surprise that several people want to be a part of it. In the recent years, centers of journalism have started in many different institutes as proper degree programs instead of being a part of the course.
So, it is more than just clear that the youth is ready to take this industry forward. And to aid them, Zafar Siddiqi has a compiled the perfect guide to launching and running news channels in Pakistan.
The TV NEWS 3.0 is the complete book to help you understand the insides of the TV News industry. Siddiqi has incorporated his personal experiences that range from his franchising in CNBC Arabiya to Samaa, Pakistan.
‘When I decided to launch my first TV news station and wanted to know the ins and outs of doing so, I couldn’t find a book that would serve as a manual with regards to all the aspects. This book will help fill that gap and provide complete information for people that want to be a part of the news industry or for ordinary people as well that would want to know about the BTS of the industry.’ Says Siddiqi.
The personal experiences are not only valuable lessons for the industry, but they are also an insight to the behind the scenes. Take for instance, the time when Siddiqi had to do some serious damage control. The host of the highest breakfast show that was airing on Samaa TV, decided to run around on public properties and ‘expose’ youngsters on dates. “.. I instantly asked the host of the show to apologize publicly. Regrettably, she chose to do so in a rather wishy-washy way, more in the manner of what is called a nonpology – saying she was sorry.” Of course, Siddiqi still had to do much when the damage control did more damage than better. He further mentions how the hosts’ unforeseen interview The New York Times further made things worst. “… despite the show being popular and top of the ratings, I resolved to scrap it by sacking the entire time, including the errant host, and issued an unconditional apology, disavowing the segment’s content. It was draconian measure, perhaps, however I felt I had little option but to stick to our principles.”
The incident is mentioned in much more detail and serves as an example of how things work out and how the right decisions at the right time and very important. Apart from these stories, there is much to look out for in this book. From studio, to presenters – there is something for everyone to learn from this book.
The book TV NEWS 3.0 has a special approach to the TV News media in the digital age which ensures that the book works for students in the present or even the future. Unlike course books which have not been updated in the near present, this book serves to aid the digital age students as well.
