ARY News UK halts live news programming

ARY News has abruptly ended its live news programming, in what seems like deepening troubles at the broadcaster.

The channel, which primarily broadcasts majority of its output directly from Pakistan, is known for its live discussion and news bulletins. However, today, BizAsiaLive.com has been alerted by viewers on Twitter and emails about the non-news related shows being aired on ARY News UK. The channel has been broadcasting re-runs of old interview-based shows.

ARY Network UK has been embroiled in controversy after losing a legal battle with Jang Group, owner of rival, Geo TV. The issues reached a head last month when Jang Group’s Chief Executive and Editor in Chief, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman was awarded £185,000 in libel damages from ARY Network. Subsequently, ARY Network closed down its offices in London and ceased running on-air commercials. Media regulator, Ofcom also confirmed that it was looking into the network’s licences but hadn’t yet found ARY Network in breach of any regulations.

Sources close to ARY Network UK maintains that the broadcaster will return back to its heydays. ARY Network is one of the strongest entertainment brands in the Pakistani industry. In the UK, ARY News has held on to the number one position in the South Asian news genre for many years.

Keep it with BizAsiaLive.com for more.