Geo TV ponders shifting news channel from Dubai

DUBAI — Dubai-based Pakistani satellite channel Geo Television is seriously considering to shift the transmission of Geo News channel from Dubai to some other location, Imran Mir, Dubai station head of Geo TV, told Khaleej Times, yesterday.

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By Joy Sengupta (Our staff reporter)

Published: Mon 16 Jun 2008, 1:27 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 6:29 PM

Mir said the uplinking or the telecasting of the news channel may now be done from a different location altogether in a day or two. He, however, added talks are on with the authorities in a bid to contain the ongoing controversy.

The two shows which have gone off air for the time being are 'Capital Talk', hosted by Hamid Mir, and 'Mere Mutabiq', hosted by Shahid Masood. "We are now considering shifting the transmission of Geo News from Dubai to some other city. Though a final decision is yet to be taken, the new place could either be London or Hong Kong. We have already sent some of our staff members to places like Karachi, Hong Kong and London for the same purpose. The preparations are on," he said.

Mir added the channel would not be shut down under any circumstances. "There is no question of shutting down the channel. The news programmes would be aired as usual," he said. Also, the entertainment and the sports channel are likely to function from Dubai for the time being.

Geo Television has got eight channels in all, hosting a variety of programmes. Geo News, one of the channels, has got offices across Pakistan but telecasts its programmes from studios in Dubai. Earlier too, the telecast of the Geo Television had been blocked for many weeks after the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan last year.

Sources in the Geo Television's office in the Media City said at least 35 staff members had been moved out after the decision. Sources added they are now trying to get transmission or licence to uplink either from London or Hong Kong.

According to reports, both the talk shows have taken up the issue of reinstatement of the sacked judges in Pakistan very strongly and have been critical of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

Joy Sengupta (Our staff reporter)

Published: Mon 16 Jun 2008, 1:27 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 6:29 PM

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