ISLAMABAD: A reporter of Bhai Bhai Channel (BBC), Mehrunissa, has alleged that her social media accounts were suspended following copyright complaints filed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The Lahore-based journalist, who recently gained viral fame for her blunt and unfiltered flood coverage in the city, says both her YouTube and TikTok platforms have been taken down as a result.
Mehrunnisa expressed disappointment over the move, stating that the removal of her accounts was triggered by the international broadcaster’s legal actions. She clarified that her reporting and content were never intended to impersonate the global BBC.
Her sudden rise in popularity stemmed from widely shared clips of her flood coverage, where she could be seen holding a microphone branded with “BBC.” The logo closely resembled the British broadcaster’s insignia, prompting many online users to assume she was affiliated with BBC Urdu. As videos circulated, social media users began tagging official BBC accounts, which eventually drew the broadcaster’s attention.
Mehrunnisa, however, explained that her channel’s name stands for Bhai Bhai Channel, not the British Broadcasting Corporation. “I work for BBC Urdu News Punjab TV. We are Bhai Bhai Channel, not the British BBC,” she clarified.
In response, the BBC issued a statement in Urdu warning audiences about impostors. “It has come to our attention that a digital media company called BBC Urdu News Punjab TV is operating in Pakistan using the BBC’s name. The BBC has no connection with this organisation or its reporters and has not authorised them to use our name,” the broadcaster said. The statement urged audiences to verify content only through its official platforms.
Following the takedown of her accounts, Mehrunnisa has appealed for leniency, stressing that her team runs a small channel in Lahore with no intent to compete with or misrepresent the international media giant. “I request the BBC to withdraw the strikes on my YouTube and TikTok channels. We are a small, Lahore-based channel with no competition against you. Please restore our accounts,” she pleaded.
The controversy has sparked debate online, with some defending her work as grassroots journalism, while others argue that her use of the BBC logo was misleading. The matter now highlights the challenges of local independent media navigating copyright restrictions in the digital era.
