World Wide Fund (WWF) awards SAMAA TV for supporting research in the field of conservation and environment

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World Wide Fund (WWF) awards SAMAA TV for supporting research in the field of conservation and environment

Speaking at the award ceremony, Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer, SAMAA TV said, “Environmental conservation is an issue that directly affects our generation and the next. It is therefore important that we do everything possible to not only create awareness about what we can do but also contribute with what needs to be done now. We are all responsible for what we will be handing over to our next generation; they should not say that we did not care about them.”

WWF – Pakistan held its annual Syed Asad Ali Conservation Award (SAAC) and the Living Planet Award ceremony on 29th March 2010 to honor and recognize organizations and individuals, who have carried out notable contributions to conserve wildlife and the natural resources of the country. SAMAA TV, one of Pakistan’s leading news channels was awarded the Conservation recognition award

in appreciation of being the only media channel in the region to show leadership in advancing environmental and conservation program through communication and public outreach.

The award distribution ceremony was held at the Ali Institute under the presence of leading representatives from the Government, civic society, environmental agencies, academia and the media.

Mr. Jahangir appreciated WWF Pakistan’s initiatives to recognize the contributions within conservation of environment stating that environmental awards were an important mechanism to encourage business and society to meet the Pakistan’s sustainable development and environmental programs. “Award schemes can provide a very useful way of stimulating improved environmental performance by organizations and showcasing good examples of innovation and best practice – the media industry has to play a significant role to ensure Pakistan reaches the desired targets”, said Jahangir.

The special recognition award acknowledges SAMAA TV’s contribution to student’s research in field of conservation and environment and its role in engaging and shaping public response to environmental conversation program.

SAMAA TV is the first media channel in the Asian region to be offering scholarships for public university students pursuing master level degrees in environmental sciences. SAMAA is also launching structured thematic green media campaigns every month for people to participate in various initiatives such as ‘Say No to Plastic Bags’, ‘Earth Hour’, ‘Beach Cleaning’, ‘Plantation,’ and ‘Make Your Carbon and Water Foot Prints Small and Green’, all of which are designed to be visually appealing and environmentally informative.

While addressing the participants and audience of the ceremony, Mr. Ali Hassan Habib, Director General, WWF – Pakistan and Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, Chairman Scientific Committee expressed their compliments to the award recipients.

“This special environment recognition award has been awarded to SAMAA for its innovate initiatives on the subject of environment and more importantly for its commitment which is transparent when we look at the positive results, which have emerged from these initiatives – This has made SAMAA a deserving “Environment Champion” said Mr. Ali Hassan Habib,

The Syed Asad Ali Conservation (SAAC) Award is a tribute to Syed Asad Ali for his inspiring role in bringing forth the importance of conserving the environment for a better tomorrow.

In his concluding remarks, Amir Jahangir encouraged more organizations to seek recognition for their environmental performance. Mr. Jahangir said that media need to go beyond simple reporting and take up issues towards educating communities and create awareness for the well being of the society. He said that it was important to take a lead and get involved in this process.

This year, the SAAC Award was presented to Mr. Ayub Dablo, Asgher Ali Detho and Ashfaq Ahmed Ashufta for their efforts as conservationists in their respective areas. Ayub Dablo received this award for his contributions towards the plantation and conservation of mangroves over an area of more than 495 hectares in Keti bunder. Mr. Ashafaq Ahmad Ashufta was selected for SAAC Award for the continued efforts that he made to conserve the Kalij Pheasant with the involvement of local community in Jafferabad village of Abbottabad.

Society for Social Development and Conservation of Nature, Lasbella received the Living Planet Award for a Project to ensure the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources with the involvement of local communities in Lasbella.

Certificate of appreciation were also presented to Mr. Samad Dawood, CEO of Dawood Corporation for donating an amount of Rupees 2.5 million to WWF – Pakistan and to Ms. Raina Saeed Khan upon receiving an Award at UN Summit on the article that she has written on Keti Bunder.

SAMAA TV’s commitment to being a socially responsible broadcaster has been widely appreciated on both national and international forums. It has been recognized as an innovator and leader for many initiatives and is the first media channel in Pakistan to have been honored with the Asian Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence Award 2009 for the Polio Control Cell stewardship. It is also the first media channel in Pakistan to have received the National CSR Excellence Award and also Pakistan’s first Innovation Journalism Health award from UNICEF and Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan.

SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan’s leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel is the first media channel is Pakistan to have established a well-integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program as part of it business activities. SAMAA TV’s CSR program carries various initiatives within health, education, environment and outreach programs focusing on improving the socio-economic situation of Pakistan.

The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Swine Flu (H1N1) can Become a Major Political Crisis Instead of a Health Crisis by October 2009

World Health Organization (WHO) holds The International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak in Cairo, Egypt. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, delivered a talk on "The Reaction of Media to Diseases Outbreak" at the International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak at the World Health Organization's Mediterranean Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt.

The World Health Organization (WHO) held "The International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak. H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus was the focus of the conference that was held in Cairo, Egypt last week from 28-30 July 2009. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, delivered a talk on "The Reaction of Media to Diseases Outbreak" at the International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak at the World Health Organization's Mediterranean Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt.

The Reaction of Media to Diseases Outbreak The International Communication Conference on Disease Outbreak. H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus was the focus of the conference that was held in Cairo, Egypt last week from 28-30 July 2009.

Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, delivered a talk on disease outbreaks
are eminently newsworthy. The public has a right to be informed and the media is the key partner in the communication triangle with health officials.

Media, particularly radio and television stations, play a critical role in reaching downtrodden rural population. The media may also exert pressure on those in charge to act rapidly and efficiently.

key to good communication is the early release of information for the masses; such communication initiates a process of trust which is maintained by absolute transparency. In this age of instant global communication, it is impossible to hide information. The media need to be recognized as critical partners in outbreak response and management.

H1N1 has swept around the world in weeks, infecting millions and killing more than 800 by official counts. While only a "moderate" pandemic by World Health Organization standards, it could worsen as temperatures cool in the Northern Hemisphere, making conditions better for viruses. H1N1 (also referred as "swine flu") is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.

The crises communication workshop revolved around H1N1 virus on how the world should react to the outbreak of the deadly flu that has already claimed so many lives around the world. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. This virus is a global threat.

According to FluNet reporting from the Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN), 3548 detections of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus were reported from 13 countries in a recent survey. The majority of detections were reported by China, Hong Kong followed by Australia and Italy Among the 13 countries, on average, the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus accounted for 71% of all influenza virus detections (66% in northern hemisphere and 89% in southern hemisphere). The highest rate of detection of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus was reported by Greece.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amir Jahangir said, "disease outbreaks are eminently newsworthy. The public has a right to be informed and the media is the key partner in the communication triangle with health officials." And that the role of the media is pivotal, particularly at the start of an outbreak, to create a well informed public so that they are equipped to protect themselves from the outbreaks and epidemics."


Jahangir was addressing a gathering of more then 40 health communications experts, representing the countries in the region of Asia, Middle East and Africa, along with professionals from repesctive governments and World Health Organizations' representatives.
SAMAA TV played a leading role in carrying out awareness campaigns reinforcing the importance of the Polio Eradication Program and encouraging parents and families to call the Polio Control Cell in case of any complaints, requirement of information related to vaccinations or lack of teams visiting their area.


The three countries in Asia that still have polio are on target to end the disease this year. Last year, polio cases in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan were slashed by 45%. Similar momentum and support from the media this year should put an end to the transmission of polio in this particularly populated region of the world, which has proven a challenge to global eradication efforts.


SAMAA TV, in joint collaboration with, UNICEF Pakistan and the Ministry of Health was the first media channel in Pakistan to establish the Polio Control Cell aimed at acting as an information bridge between the citizens and the polio control authorities. The Cell, first of its kind provided instant information on the initiative to callers in the length and breadth of the country besides performing the vital task of identifying missed areas and children. Since its establishment in October 2008, more than 50,000 children have been ensured the vaccination against the polio virus, who otherwise would have been included as the missed targets during the campaigns. The Polio Control Cell has also received high acknowledgement at the international forums, where Mr. Bill Gates, Co-chair and Trustee of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and the Director General World Health Organization, Dr. M. Chan has applauded the SAMAA model as "The Pakistan Model" and called it a benchmark to be replicated in other epidemic developing countries. The model has also been commended at the Stanford University as one of the prime Innovation Journalism case studies at the 6th Innovation Journalism Conference held in May 2009.


Chief Executive Officer of SAMAA TV, Mr. Amir Jahangir also said "Media, particularly radio and television stations, play a critical role in reaching downtrodden rural population. The media may also exert pressure on those in charge to act rapidly and efficiently."


He further added "A key to good communication is the early release of information for the masses; such communication initiates a process of trust which is maintained by absolute transparency. In this age of instant global communication, it is impossible to hide information."
In April 2009, the VINNOVA-Stanford Research Center of Innovation Journalism honored Mr. Amir Jahangir as the Program Advisor to the Research Center on Global Media Development and Journalism. Mr. Jahangir has also played a crucial role in improving health reporting from Pakistan. He also received the special award for Innovations in Health Journalism from the Ministry of Health and UNICEF for creating the concept of the Polio Control Cell. Mr. Jahangir is known for being a media person carrying out health related innovations in media and communications in Pakistan; on various platforms; including The World Bank Development Indicators, United Nation Development Indicators, and the Global Competitiveness Indicators of the World Economic Forum based out of Davos. A special award was presented for his contribution and efforts towards the eradication of polio across Pakistan earlier in July 2009.


Mr. Amir Jahangir emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of H1N1 virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) expects to be a major outbreak in October this year, as it can develop into a major political crisis from a global health crisis.


He further added that "the countries not into swine farming are also at a high threat as the international travelers could be the carrier for the disease. The recent case of the swine flu deaths in the Gulf States proves this. The disease is transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat. Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others.


In the end Mr. Jahangir said, "The media need to be recognized as critical partners in outbreak response and management."


SAMAA TV ensures the training and understanding of its reporters on all issues. SAMAA TV provides the public with prompt and correct information on all issues including health or a disease outbreak.


SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan's leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five (5) bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.