Snippets
State-run PTV suspended 17 officials for failing to ensure proper coverage of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Lahore visit. Strangely, the broadcast failure was due to the non-availability of an advanced laptop required to upload the video footage through file transfer protocol (FTP). The suspended employees claimed they had been scapegoated by the administration appointed by the previous regime in order to save the bigwigs. This time round a change has been noticed as traditionally, the PTV higher management suspended senior officials at the helm of affairs but this time those removed from office included those from the second and third tiers. PM Sharif had visited Kot Lakhpat Jail and Ramzan Bazaars in Lahore but the PTV team despite prior information failed to cover the events on the spot allegedly owing to non-availability of a properly functional laptop. The SOPs define that a VVIP team comprising reporters and producers is responsible for the coverage of the prime minister and it was accordingly informed but failed to get the job done. The incident reveals that the arbitrary streak in governing circles is alive and kicking and is simply a cause of worry for the media personnel. TW
