The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)said on Friday it would no longer telecast its ery renowned news and current affairs program ‘Sairbeen’ on Aaj TV due to “interference” with its bulletins.
This step means that the program will no more be available for television viewers in Pakistan.
In this regard, BBC World Service Director Jamie Angus said the new agency had experienced “interference in our news bulletins since October 2020” and that the organization had given “ample time” to Aaj TV to resolve the issue.
“[We] gave Aaj TV ample time for their efforts to facilitate returning the program to air. Since this interference continued, despite efforts in good faith on both sides, the BBC had no alternative but to end the partnership with immediate effect. We regret any disruption to our loyal audiences in Pakistan.”
However viewers will be able to access the BBC Urdu’s program through BBC’s website, Facebook page and YouTube channel, said Angus.
BBC formally announced parting ways with Aaj TV on Twitter .
The BBC has ceased broadcasting Urdu language news bulletins via Pakistan-based AAJ TV.
— BBC News اردو (@BBCUrdu) January 15, 2021
For details: https://t.co/57FQWSWtR5 pic.twitter.com/10TQkhNtJx
In 2019, BBC Urdu had ended radio broadcasts of Sairbeen, saying its priority going forward would be digital media platforms and television.
