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Archdiocese of Karachi to launch satellite TV channel

Published by TV Explore on December 22, 2009

Archdiocese of Karachi has launched its first television network. Over the years, the Archdiocese has been quick to adopt new technologies in its efforts to communicate with the peoples. An Urdu weekly Agahi – first in the country - was launched three ago and a little later its One-line Edition was made available. Less than a year ago the Archdiocese launched first Catholic Web TV. And now it has embraced digital and satellite technology. The Satellite based TV Channel is Christianised as ‘Good News’. It is owned, managed and run by the Catholic Church. The Archdiocese of Karachi has becomes first in the country in this important field and has also registered herself among those few Asian countries which has such a channel.

The visionary behind this venture is Father Arthur Charles, a priest of the Archdiocese who has a doctorate in Dogmatic Theology. Apart from lecturing at National Catholic Institute of theology, he holds a key canonical post of Vicar General in the Archdiocese. He is Editor-in-Chief of Agahi and the director of the Catechetical Centre Karachi. He is now the president and the CEO of Good News TV.

The broadcast will be aired nationally, as well as in other parts of Asia, Africa, Oceania and Europe seven days a week, 24 hours a day and will feature a modern format with an open dialogue focused on the message of Jesus Christ in the 21st Century, especially as it is lived in today’s world. Holy Mass, Recitation of the Rosary, Lives the Saints, Scripture Readings, contemporary talk, headline stories of current events, politics, music, entertainment, arts and sports have their slots. The Channel will also include human interest stories and inspirational themes, shows offering counselling and guidance, educational programmes and more.

“Good News TV will place a special emphasis on values and will show programmes which cannot be seen on other TV channels,” said Fr. Charles. Programme hosts and guests will include members of the clergy and distinguished laity, members of civil society and reputed media personalities. A team of anchor people will host the programmes, which has segments devoted to research-and-knowledge-based news and what Father Charles calls ‘Good News.’

Archbishop Evarist Pinto has hailed the launch of Good News TV as “a massive step forward for a different way of broadcasting in the country.” In a speech at the inauguration of the Office-cum-Production House of Good News TV, he called on the media to promote family values, human dignity and the common good. “No doubt mass media has contributed a great deal for the benefit of the society; however, it has also transmitted in various forms destructive elements in our families and society.”

The Channel will commence its test transmission on the Eve of Christmas.

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