In a recent meeting, the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs), chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, discussed key issues regarding Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). The meeting, held at the Finance Division, was attended by various senior government officials. One of the most important decisions made during the meeting was the approval of a new business plan for PTV that will result in significant changes to its operations, including a reduction in its workforce.
According to the latest announcement, PTV, one of Pakistan’s largest state-run broadcasters, will be cutting 23% of its jobs. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs. As of now, PTV employs 5,442 people, but following the implementation of this plan, 1,232 posts will be abolished. This job reduction is seen as a necessary step to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization in the face of increasing operational challenges.
The business plan submitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting outlines a number of strategies to improve PTV’s financial performance and operational efficiency. These measures include digital expansion, content licensing, forming profitable marketing partnerships, and utilizing PTV’s properties in more effective ways. The goal of these strategies is to increase revenue and maximize the potential of PTV’s resources.
One of the key components of the plan is to make better use of the company’s unutilized spaces and properties. For example, PTV owns large open lands and concrete spaces in different cities, which could be used for various income-generating activities, such as installing advertising billboards or setting up ATM booths. The government has suggested that instead of holding on to these spaces, PTV should explore the possibility of selling them to the private sector to raise funds.
Additionally, the plan highlights the importance of forming public-private partnerships. By collaborating with private companies, PTV hopes to tap into new revenue streams and expand its audience reach. The government believes that these changes will not only help PTV become financially sustainable but also improve the quality of its content and services for the public.
This move follows a similar plan for Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), another state-run broadcaster, which is also working on strategies to achieve financial independence. Both PTV and PBC have been struggling to maintain their operations in an increasingly competitive media landscape, and the government’s new plans are designed to address these challenges head-on.
The approval of this business plan has been seen as a critical step toward ensuring the long-term survival of state-owned media organizations. However, there are concerns about the impact on employees, as the job cuts will inevitably cause disruption and hardship for many individuals. The government has assured that the decision was made with careful consideration and that efforts will be made to support affected employees.
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