News24 celebrates 7th anniv

News24 television channel celebrated the seventh anniversary of its operation on Sunday with a vow to project positive stories of the people and the country, using traditional and social media platforms.

Since July 27 in 2016, the satellite channel has been upholding the spirit of the glorious liberation war and con-communal thoughts in news gathering operations round the clock.

Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan inaugurated the anniversary programme, cutting a cake along with guests, editors of different media and staff of the new generation TV channel.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Prime Minister’s former media adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, BNP chairperson’s adviser Zainul Abdin Farroque, former state minister for commerce Barkat Ullah Bulu, Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited (BCSCL) chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood and Rupayan Group chairman Liaquat Ali Khan Mukul also joined the celebration.    

Addressing the function, Bashundhara Group chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan hoped that News24 television will keep its effort in broadcasting objective news and programmes.

“I hope that News24 will lead the way in broadcasting news for the country and the people. We always should stand by the subject which is better for the people. The East West Media Group has emerged as the largest media organisation in the country. The dignity of the media group depends on all people working here,” he said.

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, a leading media patron in Bangladesh, has urged journalists not to publish any news that tarnishes the image of the country and its people.

“I am very strict against false news. I undoubtedly can say that the news outlets under East West Media Group are fully independent. The Editors and CEOs are working independently with their excellence of editorial judgment. We all are working with the spirit of independence,” he said.

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said that News24 television has been working as a mirror of the society, fulfilling public need of information.
He hoped that the television will support the development of the country by broadcasting true news and constructive criticism.

Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Naem Nizam, Kaler Kantho Editor-In-Chief Imdadul Haq Milan, Daily Sun Editor-in-Chief Enamul Hoque Chowdhury, Kaler Kantho Editor Shahed Muhammad Ali, Daily Sun Editor Md Rezaul Karim, News24 Executive Editor Rahul Raha and Banglanews24 Editor Jewel Mazhar were present on the occasion.

Bashundhara Group senior adviser AR Rashidi and adviser Maynal Hossain Chowdhury were also present on the occasion.

BCSCL chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood appreciated News24 television for gaining hearts of people through practicing objective journalism.

“We know that leading televisions in the world are news channels. There are challenges of news gathering operations round the clock. News24 television is one of the pioneer channels in Bangladesh which connected satellite Bangabandhu-1 at early stage,” he said.

Journalist veteran Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said that Bangladesh entered into era of private television channel with a courageous effort of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“Over three dozen televisions are now on-air. New channels are coming in future. Over 20,000 journalists and staffs are working in television industry which represents investment worth Tk 100 billion. Now, the news-based channels are in a competition to break information first,” He said.

BNP chairperson’s adviser Zainul Abdin Farroque said that all media under East West Media Group, including News24 television, are maintaining independent journalism.

“I think journalists sometimes face challenges in disseminating information amid pressure of black law like the Digital Security Act. We demand amendment to the law to reduce harassment of journalists,” he said.

News24 Executive Editor Rahul Raha said that the news-only television will keep its effort in objective journalism for well being of the people and the country.

“We always uphold the spirit of the glorious liberation war. We want to project positive stories for flourishing democracy and development of the country,” he added.

The television channel has organised daylong programmes, including concert, talk show, cultural function and raffle draw for staff members

SOURCE : Daily Sun