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On
Geo TV
Network
Geo TV Network
Lamha Lamha
Geo
Project
On
Geo TV Network
Submitted to:
Submitted by:
Naveed Ahmed
Roll # 37
Session (2008-12)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
F irst of all, we are thankful to Almighty Allah, who has given us the strength and
determination to make this research.s
I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sir Shahid Nawaz our teacher,
for his valuable guidance, constructive comments and continuous encouragement through
out the research.
Special thanks are also extended to Mr. Mir Ibrahim-Ur-Rehman (CEO, GEO),
Mr. Shaheen Raza (Regional Sales Manager, GEO), Mr. Syed Zulfiqar Ali
shah (HR Head, GEO), Mr. Shadaat Tayyab (Corporate Head, GEO) and Mr.
Saddiq Bloch (Cameraman, GEO), for their assistance in data collection.
Sincere thanks are also extended to all those who have helped me to complete my report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Geo network is a subsidiary of Jung Media Group whose
CEO is Mir IBARAHIM REHMAN. It comprises of a set
of four different channels, namely, Geo News, Geo
entertainment, Geo Super, AAG. The programs are
distributed through a cable network. The main product
through which Geo earns it revenue is airtime. The
marketing department is divided into two departments i.e.
product marketing which deals with programs and events
while the other is trade marketing which deals with airtime.
Therefore, this marketing plan mainly concerns with the
marketing strategies related to airtime. The market of
electronic media is expanding with increasing speed,
causing an intense competition among the industry
participants. It is a Private limited Company and has 100%
internal shares (family shares only). This is part of the Jang
Group of Companies, the biggest and strongest group in
media of the Private Sector. It is basically a family business
they have no external shares. Its revenues are generated
only through sale of commercial airtime. (Advertising on
the channel).So far Geo has not reached even its break-even
point and have not earned any profits yet. It is not actually a
manufacturing business rather a service business that
generates cable TV channels.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMPANY DESCRIPTION……………………………………………….4
History of GEO…………………………………………………………………………….…....4
Mission Statement………………….…………………………………………….……………..7
Vision Statement………………………………………………………………………………...8
Basic Objective…………………….…………………………………………...…………………………9
Value Statement………………………………………………………………...…………………………9
Company Logo………………………………………………………………...………………………….10
Logo Application………………………………………………………………………………………...10
Strategic Planning
Operational Planning
Growth Strategy………………………………………………………………...…………………………8
Crisis Management………………………………………………………………………………….…...8
SWOT ANALYSIS…………………………………………….13
Strengths…………………………….…………………………………...…………………………………13
Weaknesses………………………………………………………………...………………………………14
Opportunities………………………………………………………………..........................................14
Threats………………………………………………………………....................................................15
CORPORATE PROFILE…...…………………………………15
Nature of Business………………………………………………………………..................................15
Target Market……………………………………………………………….........................................15
Type of Ownership………………………………………………………………..................................15
Revenues……………………………………………………………….................................................16
Types of Products………………………………………………………………...................................16
Channels……………………………………………………………….................................................16
Market Share………………………………………………………………..........................................16
Competitors………………………………………………………………............................................19
Production Capacity…………………………………………………………………………...19
External Environment…………..……………………………………………………………………….19
LEADING……………………………………………………….20
Leadership Style…………………………………………………………………………………………20
Internal Environment……………………………..……………………………………………………20
Internal Communication……………………………………………………………………………….20
Internal Culture…………………………………………………………………………………………21
Motivation…………………………………………………………………………………………… ..22
ORGANIZING…………………………………………………23
Level of Management/Designation..………………………………………………………………....23
Organization Structure……………..………………………………………………………………....24
Span of Control…………………….,…….………………………….………………………………...24
Organizational Chart……………..…………….…………………………………………………….24
Delegation Process…………………………………………………………………………………...26
Leading Designation………………..………….…………………………………………………….26
Departmentalization of GEO………..………………….………………………………………….27
i. Functional Departmentalization……………………………...........................................27
Departments/Divisions……………..…………….………………………….………………………31
CONTROLING
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………46
References…………..……………………………..…………………………………………………47
Dec 1991 Made first pilot for first new show for GEO, then named "Newsreel"
1998 First advertisement in all major newspapers of Pakistan looking for television
talent and announcing GEO for the first time
15-Nov 2001 Core team of the channel is established to chalk out policies, strategy
and implementation plan
10-Jan 2002 Construction begins at Dubai Media City for offices and transmission
studios
1-Feb 2002 A senior team of int'l consultants lands in Pakistan to complete recce for
training
1-Mar 2002 the initial batch of 200 candidates for training are recruited
1-Mar 2002 Television equipment worth millions begin to arrive in Pakistan for the
training process
1-Apr 2002 Training by 16 foreign producers, reporters, writers and camera operators
starts!
1-Jun 2002 First batch of trainees graduate are sent to different areas of Pakistan
equipped with necessary recording equipment
14-Jun 2002 Bomb blast at US consulate takes place, about a kilometer from training
camp. The under training news team is put to the test with 4 hours of non-stop test
transmission. Exclusive footage makes headlines across the world. BBC shows GEO
footage. BBC producer visits training camp and commends GEO team for excellent
coverage.
Jul 30, 2002 A team of senior journalists takes over Dubai office to prepare for test
transmission
14-Aug 2002 Geo's test transmission starts at 12:00 noon PST with 24-hour news
content; frequency kept secret
15-Aug 2002 Cable Operators start tuning into secret frequency and begin airing
GEO's test transmission without channel's consent
5-Sep 2002 Geo team begins nationwide 5-day tour marketing the channel to cable
operators, introducing them to the channel and getting their feedback
5-Sep 2002 Signs of brand power begin to emerge as GEO's logo is copied and
imitated by local brands i.e. GEO Biryani, GEO Water and GEO Washing Powder
20-Mar 2003 Geo and CNN sign partnership contract for collaboration
INTRODUCING GEO TV
GEO TV was established in May 2002. Test transmission started on 14th August 2002 on
the PAS 10 digital satellite. Regular transmission started on 1st October 2002. Geo TV is
the first South Asian Urdu language channel to provide content comparable with
excellent television broadcasters. Geo is the fastest growing TV Channel in Pakistan with
ratings exceeding all satellite delivered TV channels in the market. Geo has the widest
distribution on cable systems in Pakistan with 100% carriage within 90 days of launch.
New York, Washington and London. Intelligent Media Consultant has given formal
multi-disciplinary training to 500 members of GEO staff including all producers,
reporters, writers, camerapersons and editors.
Its member team comprising of CNN, BBC producers, cinematographers, editors and
presenters were split in Dubai and Karachi for 5 months to complete the training.
Mission statement
GEO informs and entertains while celebrating cultures and
prompting dialogue in the spirit of "live and let live".
Vision Statement
“GEO will be the voice of freedom from the Asian
subcontinent. It will highlight the issues of concern and the
cultural richness of its people through information,
discussion and entertainment. GEO will propagate
transparency of responsibility that will ensure its position
as the most credible and meaningful source of information,
through quality programming based on issues. GEO will
provide entertainment audiences can relate to, thereby
creating viewer loyalty and response. GEO will forge an
alliance amongst its three stakeholders - viewers,
advertisers and shareholders to maximize viewer
ownership. GEO will invest in human resources as it
recognizes it to be the foundation upon which the GEO
Basic Objective
Like all for-profit organizations, GEO’s basic objective is also revenue generation.
Value Statements
• We are a team.
• We encourage self-development.
• We embrace change.
Company Logo
All companies must have a pictogram, or single visual statement that represents the entire
idea behind that symbol. GEO’s Logotype enjoys the same reputation with our audience,
stakeholders and employees.
Representing the true strength of the channel, which is unbiased, accurate and timely 24-
hour news in ‘Urdu language’.
The Geo logo represents many aspects of its business in true colors. The Orange
represents “DAY’ and Blue represents ‘NIGHT’. The Urdu alphabet ‘Jeem’ cutting
through from the TV Screen in a sharp angle connote the ‘GLOBE’ and the overall
formation of the composite represents ‘EYE ON WORLD AFFAIRS 24 HOURS A
DAY’.
LOGO APPLICATION
All good identities have flexibility for Primary applications but Secondary and Tertiary
applications as well. Geo uses three such distinctive applications of the Parent Identity.
a. Corporate Emblem:
Whereas the Logotype of Geo uses a sharply angled, cropped and embedded
image of the Urdu alphabet ‘Jeem’, the Corporate Emblem is a repetition of the
complete alphabet. This pattern represents the Global presence of Geo covering
and delivering Faster Firsts to its audience.
b. Logo Versatility:
With the realization that our logotype gives us enormous strength, Geo is the only
TV Company that allows its Logo to be adapted to direct relevance to its ‘special
events and occasions’
PLANNING And
GOALS
The short term goals of GEO keep on changing however, the present short-term goal is to
launch a youth channel and a sports channel within six months. The permission has been
granted to launch the youth channel but the sports channel is still acquiring permission .It
will be acquired soon. Either they will be launched together or one after the other.
Intermediate goal:
The intermediate goal of GEO is to increase their channels to 11 within the time limit of
3 years.
When asked about the long-term goal we were told that it is highly confidential and only
known to the Upper level management, e.g. C.E.O.
PLANS
Strategic Plans:
Operational Plans:
Geo has a network, which handles all the business units in each department. Its like an
Octopus, the head is the Network and each tentacle is a business unit. They evaluate the
goals set by the management as to how close they are to achieving their objectives, and
how much they have achieved. If Geo has not achieved its required goals they take
feedback and change their operational plans accordingly. The BOD or “Top
management” is responsible for such type of decisions.
Growth Strategy
GEO’s strategy is to make the HRM department strong and competent as HRM
department is the base of the organization. They do so by providing training to the newly
hired employees. This will benefit GEO and increase the growth of the channel.
Crisis management
Geo has not faced any such crisis yet however, they have set a whole team for the
management of crises. In this team, GEO has experts in all fields. When a certain
department faces any problem, the head of that department informs the team about it and
they team finds a solution to the problem and terminates it.
SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths:
New ideas and concept with fast execution has become a trademark of GEO -- 'Fastest
Firsts'.
For Example:
First to start political satire in Pakistan depicting current and past heads
First to run 2 soaps back to back 4 days a week, creating history in the
entertainment arena of Pakistan (1-2-3 campaign).
First channel to take a game show to people's homes all across Pakistan
– (GEO aur Jeeto)
First channel to have its logo and brand name copied and used by
everything from water to tractors.
Weaknesses:
Opportunities:
Increase in viewer-ship
Threats:
Fear of competition:
Employee turnover :
CORPORATE PROFILE
Nature of Business
Target Market
Geo plans to target the Masses. Geo is based in Dubai and is broadcasted for South Asian
viewers of M.E, Europe, Canada, North America and UK. Besides, of burros in Pakistan
a robust network feeds regularly live content from New York, Los angles and London.
Type of Ownership
It is a Private limited Company and has 100% internal shares (family shares only). This is
part of the Jang Group of Companies, the biggest and strongest group in media of the
Private Sector.
Financial Resources
Revenues
Its revenues are generated only through sale of commercial airtime. (Advertising on the
channel).So far Geo has not reached even its break-even point and have not earned any
profits yet.
Types of products
Products
It is not actually a manufacturing business rather a service business that generates cable
TV channels namely:
1) Geo News
2) Geo TV(entertainment)
3) Geo UK(infotainment)
4) Geo USA
5) Geo Super
6) Aag TV
Market share:
It stands to satellite channels viewed in the Pakistan and 2nd to National
channels in Pakistan. i.e., PTV, STN, ATV etc.
Competitors
PTV is the main competitor of GEO with regards to viewer ship because of the reason that
geo is a satellite channel and is accessible in specific areas whereas PTV is a national
antenna channel, which is easily accessible. Geo is trying to compete with PTV and trying
harder and harder to be the No.1 channel in Pakistan. Other satellite channels like Sony, Star
plus etc, are GEO’s major competitors among satellite channels.
Production Capacity
11 channels is their total capacity because they are using 2 beams and each beam contains 5-
6 channels.
External Environment
Geo is the only independent and liberal channel with the unique honor of consistently
breaking news. Geo is a liberal channel it has no restriction from the Government of
Pakistan because its transmissions are telecasted from Dubai, which is a free zone. The
Government of Pakistan can influence GEO about the News and programs they air but GEO
is not bound to report to the Government. However, they cannot ignore and go against the
Government as they operate
within Pakistan as well. They Government have the right to jeopardize GEO’s operations.
Despite the liberty GEO enjoys it cannot ignore the cultural ethical values of the society that
is why GEO has a Quality Control Department Specifically working
On censoring each program and News before it can be aired on TV. They are bound to
follow the rules of the censor board.
The technological environment includes all the ways by which it creates value for the
constituents.
situation like wise, it is negatively affected at the same time when the demand for the
entertainment channels lessen because people are grieved by the chaos. This way Geo
entertainment loses viewer ship.
LEADING
Leadership Style:
Geo follows a purely and highly democratic leadership style. The democratic leadership
style is also called the participative style as it encourages employees to be a part of the
decision making. The democratic manager keeps his or her employees informed about
everything that affects their work and shares decision making and problem solving
responsibilities. This style requires the leader to be a
coach who has the final say, but gathers information from staff members before making a
decision. GEO invites employees to share their input to make decisions.
Democratic leadership can produce high quality and high quantity work for long periods of
time. Many employees like the trust they receive and respond with cooperation, team spirit,
and high morale. Typically the democratic leader:
Internal Environment
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Geo firmly believes in the use and influence of Internal Communications to create a working
environment that is based on the hallmark of professionalism and on the concept of ‘service
above self’.
The idea is to create a relationship between the organization and its people, encourage
excellence, and inculcate a spirit of achievement.
As an organization that lays great emphasis on Human Resource, its training and
development, inevitably it realizes the meaningful contribution of its team that has worked
passionately to make the channel grow and achieve unprecedented results.
Geo’s HR Department plans and executes cohesive and integrated communication designed
specifically for its people to share the sense of pride and joy in Brand Stewardship. This of
course is in addition to numerous events and occasions that it holds to allow social, cultural
and sporting activities as one big team.
Managers interact with their employees and communicate with everyone on an open forum
culture. Managers communicate on the phone and over the internet the head office in based
in Karachi.
Level of Informality
Geo organization is very informal and partially formal. They follow an “Open door Policy”.
Formal conversations are less because GEO believes in Teamwork and working in a friendly
environment. Despite a friendly atmosphere, no such incident has occurred yet in which
different kinds of rumors has spread. Everyone has the right to give ideas and opinions
regarding improvement such as new technology, innovation etc.
Internal Culture
There is a code of conduct that all employees have to follow strictly. For example:
1) They have a No-Smoking environment however, they have specified a zone for smoking
only.
3) All employees should conduct the display of Discipline strictly because of too much
interaction with the other departments.
4) There is no formal dress code except for certain levels such as, the Heads of the
Departments.
5) Eatables are not allowed everywhere in the office except in the Café.
6) Employees mush reach and leave the office in time at the 10-7 office timings.
When asked about which theories they are applying on employees we were told that they use
almost all theories of motivation except for The Theory X. When
asked from the employees about the Expectancy Theory and Equity Theory they stated that
GEO definitely applied these theories on employees.
There is and Idea Box in the reception room available to employees and even visitors. All
ideas are implemented and the generator of the idea is rewarded with a prize. The C.E.O of
the company is heading this campaign himself.
Success story of the month. A success story of the month in each department is mentioned
for employees who have gone that extra mile in achieving their objective. Their stories are
discussed; the committee reviews them and selects the best one. The winner of the best
success story is rewarded with a dinner for two prizes.
Recently started motivational campaign “SAR UTHA KAY GEO” event has started for this
year.
ORGANIZING
Geo consists of 1600 plus employees around the world and 180 employees in the Lahore
bureau itself because Geo has a very wide and large hierarchy.
Levels of Management/Designations
Top Managers
President
Middle Managers
Directors
Director News
Regional Heads
General Managers
Managers
Associate Managers
Organization structure
Geo consists of multiple layers of management and thus forms a Tall Organizational
Structure. Information whether upward or downward must pass through so many
organizational layers.
Span of Control
In GEO span of control tends to be wide at lower level and is relatively narrow at upper
level management.
Organization chart
When asked about its organizational chart we were told that it has a very complicated and
wide hierarchy organizational chart, which is 3 meters long and is
available on a 64 mb visual file, which is kept in the Karachi H.Q. An organizational chart
of the Lahore bureau is:
CHART
C.E.O
C.O.O
Channel President
M.D News
M.D Entertainment
Content Head
Production Head
Director News
Bureau Officers
Making a new decision is “highly centralized” only the C.E.O has the authority to
implement any decision at any time without reporting to anyone.
In case of hiring the person to hire is “centralized” that is, if there is a designation/post to be
made or filled this is up to the upper level managers to decide if it should be implemented or
not. Whereas the selection of the candidate for that specific post is “Decentralized”. The HR
department has the authority to select the required candidate.
Delegation Process
No matter how an organization is structured, those at the top of the organization are
accountable for the actions and decisions of those subordinate to them (within the chain of
authority). Geo’s mainframe hierarchy of delegating responsibilities to others in routine or in
emergency involves all concerned employees to act with the highest level of
professionalism. When a subordinate fails, all who are responsible shoulder that failure and
the necessary authority is alerted (e.g. subordinate, superior, and superior to the superior.) in
order to rectify an issue. Geo serves this chain of command and delegates the duties to other
employees in such a manner that if a departmental head needs to go for some reason, he can
delegate his duties for an interim period to his next senior most person available. He can
acquire all his authority in a limited manner but can’t take any financial
decision on his own, he will need to sanction it first by the board of directors and the CEO of
the company to avoid any complexity in the decision making process.
Leading Designation
Senior Executive Production Tariq Jamil is in charge for production operations in Lahore.
Bureau Chief News Khawar Naeem Hashmi is in charge of the News sector in Lahore.
The President and C.O.O will report to the C.E.O. Managing Director of News and
Managing Director of Entertainment reports to the President. Director News reports to MD
News and Content Head of Production reports to MD Entertainment. The News and
Entertainment departments have separate levels of
Hierarchy but they operate from the same office. Further hierarchy is extended to each
bureau/regional office.
Departmentalization:
Geo is a highly organized and departmentalized firm. The control and coordination is
narrowed and made easier, so top managers can see more easily how the various
departments are performing. This allows GEO to treat the department as a profit centre. The
Marketing department is mainly the “Profit center” of GEO. They calculate the profits of
Geo and use that information in making decisions about advertising and promotional events,
commercial airtime allocation etc.
Departmentalization of Geo
Geo has its own specific way of classifying and grouping work activities.
1) Functional Departmentalization
2) Geographic Departmentalization
Functional Departmentalization
Geo has developed departments according to a group’s functional activities, such as the:
2) Entertainment Department
3) Infotainment Department
5) Archiving Department
6) Children’s Division
9) Technical Department
22) IT Department
Geographic Departmentalization
The functional departments of GEO are further sub-divided into geographical departments in
order to carry out the operations and activities of different cities, regions and districts. To
keep themselves up to date with the latest news and events across the nation and globe.
Offices
Head Office:
Karachi
Bureau/Regional Offices
i. Lahore
ii. Islamabad
iii. Peshawar
iv. Quetta
v. Multan
Besides that there are also out station reporters of Geo who work individually and has no
office for example:
Sailkot
Earth Station:
Dubai .This is the station where all transmission and telecast of programs is undertaken.
C.E.O
President
C.O.O
M.D Entertainment
Content Head
M.D News
Director News
Bureau Offices
Peshawar
Lahore
Islamabad
Quetta
Multan
Departments/Divisions:
GEO News is now a part of our lives. This is where news is broken, processed, analyzed,
and disseminated. GEO news just doesn’t happen. It needs dedicated, committed men and
women who want to make a difference – GEO News is
Entertainment Department
Enter the world of glamour, creativity, and visually striking images. Enter GEO
Entertainment. We have career options for producers, associate producers, script
writers, production designers, art directors, fashion designers; make up artists, music
composers, location locators, talent hunters, concepts writers and more. So if you have a
script, an idea struggling to find shape, think you can act, believe you have the
organizational skills and aesthetics to become a producer, nourish an ambition to be part of
the wonderful world of show biz, walk into the spotlight.
Infotainment Department
This is where information meets entertainment and shows are created that are exciting to
watch while being provocative and thoughtful. The Geo Infotainment Department is on the
look out for concept writers, scriptwriters, producers, associate producers, and researchers.
GEO has created a unique space for creative people who understand market forces. In
Product Development, concepts originate are polished and tested against stringent market
research, and are placed in time zones that are viewer specific.
Product Development at GEO is concerned with the enhancement of our brand. It oversees
the evolution of the brand and treats each program as a product that needs to be polished,
marketed, positioned, and enhanced. Product Development creates concepts for promoting
our products and develops media plans and campaign strategies that place our programs at
the very centre of our audience’s attention.
For those marketers who want to unleash the creative urges in their hearts, this is the place to
be. Un-knot that ties, roll up your sleeves, cut out the power dressing and enter a world that
is changing and moving 24/7.
Children’s Division
GEO has treated children seriously. We believe the child has a lot to tell us. His curious,
imaginative mind has inspired us to produce programs like ‘Dekho Suno Samjho’ and
‘Bachey Man Kay Sachay’. A child’s genius constantly amazes us. If you feel that you
understand children and know what they want, this is your playground.
GEO Children’s Division needs scripts, concepts, fresh young talent, performers, hosts, and
producers who have refused to grow up and still have a child lurking in their hearts.
The Human Resources Department remains a crucial element in the overall composition of
the GEO setup. It is the Power House that fuels the GEO Factory
with the best of the best, through attraction, recruitment, selection, optimum compensation,
welfare, diversified benefits, grievance handling, training & development, formulation of
policies and procedures, encompassed with an ever vibrant HR Strategy aligned with the
corporate vision and mission of GEO TV.
Serving as the vital link that generates identity, self-perception, confidence, vitality,
motivation, communication and continual enhancement of overall net worth of every
individual functioning as a profoundly valued component of TEAM GEO.
HR at GEO is one of the many exceptional brands that exist to nourish your experience at
GEO TV.
Organized, analytical and resourceful. Working well with people with a balance of regular
responsibilities and new project-based work. Keeping up with trends online to work in the
fast-paced GEO environment. Handling stress, skills to organize, project-oriented, and self-
starting. Ability to successfully manage strict deadlines and multiple projects. Trouble-
shooting, loads and loads of common sense, and thinking from a broader perspective and
command on the English language. Belief in systems and providing support to department
leadership and all divisions. This is all under the GEO operations department.
Technical Department
keep the studios operational and bring those stunning visuals to your screens from the most
difficult terrain and venues.
Finance Department
Television is a business. In the back room, sit people who are number crunchers, planners,
forecasters, financial analysts, budget monitors, and trend spotters. They understand the
industry and with constant research make sure that projections are met and budgets and time
lines are respected.
Marketing Department
Every program, time slot, and viewer is an opportunity that needs to be explored, marketed,
promoted and valued. Marketing is the department that not only maximizes the value of geo
programming but also helps develop it by soliciting feedback form the industry and creating
specific creative solutions for clients and brands. If you think you understand how to
maximize the potential of an idea, and can create solutions and packages for brands and
clients, this is the most dynamic team in media for you.
Sales Department
Sales or $ales, is where the money is at! This fast-paced department brings in the rupees that
enable us to produce the content that our viewers depend on.
True believers of GEO, armed by the content in hand, and the philosophy in mind, go out
everyday in to the fast changing and unpredictable market and maximize the value of the
channel. At the front line are the foot soldiers of GEO who sell space around our programs
and fill the advertising needs of the channel. These are the true dream merchants.
Creative Department
GEO is always on the look out for those men and women who tell stories visually, who paint
our palette blue and orange, who understand moods and emotions. We need people who
have strong aesthetics, who like to break the rules of visual grammar, who can telescope
saga in a 30 second graphic and animation ad. These are our window dressers who are
concerned with the look and feel of the channel.
They illuminate our screens, design our sets and promote our programs wielding all the
creative tools at their command. They hold the magic wand.
GEO is in a consistent state of evolution and in this fortitude TEAM GEO is diversifying
more into avenues that play the beat of our nation’s youth. At GEO
Music we have envisioned with providing generation Y! With a platform to project their true
potential in front of the world at large.
Presently, GEO Music is in the process of evaluating and redefining what the music market
has to offer in terms of quality music standards.
GEO Music is probing the rudimentary talent of our nation scoping it, to find diamonds in
the rough conscious nurturing these music fanatics of tomorrow, providing them with the
right podium to illuminate their expertise in today’s global community
Research Department
GEO-TV carries out research in various mediums on components like advertising, market
intelligence, television viewer ship and masses’ penetration of those mediums. These are the
basic components, their roots captivates not only the micro changes but also the macro
variations on the spectrum of information and entertainment.
GEO Talent is astounding new initiative by GEO TV. Scouting for talented, hosts, anchors,
vocalists, actors, and people pertinent to performing arts whose potentials can be nourished
by the expertise of GEO Talent Department.
Events Department
Events are all about teamwork and clockwork. Time is of essence and execution is
everything. This genre of programming needs organized people who know what needs to be
done and when. Never short of excitement and danger, the event must go on! Most of the
time events, whether musical or magical, are live. One wrong move can lead to many
embarrassing shots on the screen. Lich and orchestra, an event has many pieces that have to
be sung synchronized and in turn. If you like working as part of a high energy team and are
interested in music, sports, magic and everything in between.
Sports Department
Sports are a new genre of programming that has also not been explored much in Pakistan.
From Cricket to Polo and everything in between.
Game Shows are a fast and upcoming genre for GEO. Game Shows are also a live genre
mostly and full of audience participation. This programming genre ties action as well as
puzzles and reality, all rolled into one. From selecting participants to making interesting
formats and producing the most entertaining and
diverse content platforms for audiences and viewers, Game Shows are an excitement new
development in local television.
IT Department
Information Technology is the lifeline of the organization supporting all the functions
without any interruption catering for all software needs and MIS requirements 24/7.
The anchors, presenters, hosts, and entertainers are the faces of the channel. They need to
look attractive, presentable, friendly, and inspirational. Our Fashion Design Department
gives us our look. The department is there to groom fresh talent, conduct make over, and
give them outfits that are striking and tele-genic.
Transmission Department
GEO has a highly equipped and modern Transmission Department, which remains awake
when others are fall asleep.
HRM of GEO
Diverse cultural backgrounds and multi-ethnic origins add up to create a strong resource
base at GEO. Each member makes a valuable contribution while overall functioning as a
team. Committed to doing more for their country, GEO people remain dedicated and
passionate about their work. GEO people are focused on
broadening horizons and meeting new challenges. Creative and multi-talented, these fine
individuals take pride in shaping the future of Pakistan.
We spoke to some concerned managers of GEO to find out more about GEO's recruitment
and human resource management initiatives.
Imran Aslam, President of GEO TV, believes, "a sense of purpose can be instilled when an
employee, not only clearly knows the vision of a company, but is included in making that
vision. When an employee knows that he or she deserves to be a part of the organization,
and most importantly is empowered to implement that vision, the culture of success
appears."
Mir Ibrahim Rahman, CEO of GEO, went on to explain how some of the above has been
possible at GEO. "One of the things we try to continuously remind ourselves is how lucky
we are to be a part of a media industry. Where our product and hard work is not only a
source of livelihood, but also a source of well being for the people who rely on us. This is a
very important realization that aligns our goals, sense of responsibility and job satisfaction."
GEO's vision of promoting dialogue, unbiased news and issue-based entertainment was
always very clear and can be found in its mission statement, vision statement and across
many corporate communications. "But none of us had done anything like GEO before and
we almost had to instill a culture of dialogue and interaction not only on the channel but off
air as well. We did this by continuous involvement, discussion and consensus in almost
everything we did. It did become taxing at times but it's the GEO way," says Mir Ibrahim
Rahman.
Azhar Abbas, Director News, explained further, "I remember how policy was actually being
drafted and made right then and there during our training exercises by the people we were
training. That's the kind of spirit which excited people because we all became aware that
together we were making something." GEO went through a very comprehensive recruitment
exercise. "I believe it was the largest and one of the most successful launch recruitment
drives in the country," claims Zaheeruddin Khan, Chief Operating Officer of GEO.
"Receiving over 60,000 applications! That was a crucial time period when we had to go
through each and every letter and email which were seen by all the senior managers
collectively, going through bags and bags of envelopes and applications every night."
We asked Abdur Rauf, Director Infotainment, what was the target market for the campaign.
"GEO was looking for passionate people. If you had gone through some of the ads that were
placed, one can notice that the invitation was for everyone and anyone who was interested in
media and television. You didn't have to have any experience or professional qualification
because we were willing to train you."
There was actually quite a grueling process one had to go through to be hired by GEO.
Rumor had it that at least 3 directors had to meet you and on an average, you had to go
through at least 5 rounds of interviews. "Though we gave everyone a fair chance based on
merit, you were not spared in the interview itself. Some of us were more grueling than
others, but on the whole we probably seemed like a scary bunch," said Raheel Rao, Director
Entertainment, pointing towards Abdur Rauf.
Women, minorities and regions were given special attention so that Pakistan was properly
represented in the employee base as well. GEO has more women working in reporting and
production than any other channel.
"We knew we had to have ingredients which not only represented Pakistan in our own
company but also have individuals who we were targeting. Women reporters had a special
women recruitment committee which tried to meet the parents of all women recruits in order
to make them feel comfortable about GEO's culture and specific job requirements," said
Beena Sarwar, reporter/producer who was heading the committee at the time.
GEO ended up initially interviewing over 6,000 people from whom they selected
approximately 600 of the brightest, most passionate and professional staff ever gathered
before for the television medium in the country. That is a selectivity rate of .01%, unheard of
even in a multinational.
Syed Zulfiqar Ali, the Human Resource Manager stated, "that the massive intern programme
of GEO is a result of its belief that its enormous infrastructure should be utilised for the
development and grooming of Pakistani youth into real media professionals."
"What's great was that after we had selected and chosen the best and the brightest we
professionally trained them as well!" explained Hamid Mir, Bureau Chief of GEO News,
Islamabad. There were over 16 foreign broadcast reporters, camera operators, editors,
producers who trained everyone in everything related to TV. This multi-tasking approach,
though expensive and tiring, made the individuals better team players and more aware of
how the system works. Technical training was conducted by BBC Technology, consulting
arm of BBC, which has conducted
similar projects elsewhere in the world with SKY Network, ABC and Dubai TV. Intelligent
Media Consultants (IMC), an Atlanta based media consultancy with a proven record of
launching over 10 new channels in the past 6 years, provided hands on training for GEO TV
personnel. IMC has an impressive client base including Aaj Tak (India) and CNN Espanol
as well as CNN Turk. Both continue to advise GEO on operational issues and provide
support in camera operation, editing, production and training for reporting of news.
"In fact," explained Mir Ibrahim Rahman, "many people thought we were wasting money
doing all this training. We did it because giving fancy equipment and being surrounded by
state-of-the-art technology was not enough. Those material things are run by people at the
end of the day. In addition, the people must feel empowered. It's a great feeling for a twenty
something MA Journalism graduate from Sahiwal to be able to say that BBC and CNN
producers taught him how to produce and edit an 'OC/VO sot' with a 'piece-to-camera'!"
Responsibilities of HR Dept.
Job Analysis
Performance Appraisal.
When any post is vacant, GM HR Syed Zulfiqar Ali sends the request to the HR Department
for the vacant post.
Job Description.
Job Specification.
Firstly, Advertisements are given in the Geo website and if necessary on print also.
GEO is one of the most progressive organizations in the country. It believes in complete
transparency and objectivity in its hiring process. All members of TEAMGEO are selected
on their merit and qualification.
The organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis.
The company has one of the best environments for women employees, and it actively
encourages women seeking employment.
Internal Recruitment
In GEO, vacant posts are also filled internally to provide an opportunity for the workers
already working in the organization.
External Recruitment
SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection is entirely base on merit, which confirms to selection criteria without any bias
towards, gender, religion, race, color, nationality, age, and according to the procedures laid
down in the HRD policies.
Selection Procedure
Interview.
Final selection.
Orientation
Training
AN IMPARTIAL & OBJECTIVE interview process is one of the most progressive trends at
GEO. All short listed candidates will be called in for an interview. They will be given a
minimum 48-hour notice before the date, time and place of interview via email and
telephone. Each candidate will be interviewed by at least three different persons ensuring the
integrity and fairness of the selection process. There is a written test for certain jobs. The
selection process may take 30 days from initial interviews to the final selection.
ORIENTATION
Orientation program is held when new employees joins the company. They give an
opportunity to the all-new employees that they hire to rotate in the factory departments daily
so the employees must know in which environment and in which circumstances they had to
work.
Training
Once they are hired Geo provides them with foreign training usually from CNN and BBC
.However, the training is an ongoing process apart from the off job training. For this
purpose, they are attached with a senior to supervise them.
Motivation
When asked about which theories they are applying on employees we were told that they use
almost all theories of motivation except for The Theory X. When asked from the employees
about the Expectancy Theory and Equity Theory they stated that GEO definitely applied
these theories on employees.
There is and Idea Box in the reception room available to employees and even visitors. All
ideas are implemented and the generator of the idea is rewarded with a prize. The C.E.O of
the company is heading this campaign himself.
Success story of the month. A success story of the month in each department is mentioned
for employees who have gone that extra mile in achieving their objective. Their stories are
discussed; the committee reviews them and selects the best one. The winner of the best
success story is rewarded with a dinner for two prizes.
Recently started motivational campaign “SAR UTHA KAY GEO” event has started for this
year.
Discrimination Policy
CONTROLLING
Control Process:
GEO has more polices than any other company and these policies are well communicated to
the employees. All rules regulations, policies and procedures are mentioned in the employee
handbook, which is kept highly confidential from the non-employees. GEO has a strong
control on the policies and employee code of conduct and are very strict about them. GEO
does not compromise on their policies and implement them strictly. GEO uses the 360
degrees appraisal in which subordinates evaluate their seniors. Each individual (subordinate)
evaluates their boss’s behavior, leadership; attitudes etc. and they are free to give any
opinion or complaint against them. The committee then begins inquiries and strictly,
Follows Company polices respectively. Subordinate’s comments are very essential for the
promotions of their seniors.
Formation of policies:
When Geo faces a problem in the implementation of old policies then the policy defining
department reviews it and works them out to make necessary changes in the policies. Once a
policy is changed or altered it is sent to the approval department after being approved by the
approval department it is then lastly sent to the Upper level management. If the upper level
management approves the new
policy in order for its implementation it is updated on the website, notice boards and open
forums. It is also circulated on hardcopies.
Geo uses the external market mechanism such as content based competition and relative
market share that is, GEO has to keep up with the latest trends in the media market and
follow those trends to maintain and set their standards. GEO has also proved itself to be a
trendsetter in the market.
There is a Quality Control team in GEO to monitor the quality and standard of all
productions and content. First of all the script is approved by the department then the casting
of the production is approved. A pilot is of the script is created as a sample and is previewed
and is passed by the department. The final production is then sent to GEO’s Censor board
for approval. If the production is according to the standards set in the pilot it is passed and
sent to be aired on TV. Finally, GEO then takes feedback about the content from the public
(viewers).
Exclusivity of GEO
the unique style of GEO and various have quoted it extensively. These include New York
Times, Washington Times, Financial Times, Washington Post and Los Angeles Times.
Francisco Chronicle, AP, AFP, Reuters, CNN, BBC, Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Times of
India, The Hindu, Aaj Tak (India), Kyodo (Japan), Al Jazeera and other important television
channels. Even the US State Department often quotes GEO.
Geo has been described as the CNN and BBC of Pakistan due to its enormous news network
within Pakistan and all over the world.
New York Times, one of the most prominent newspapers of the world, has quoted that Geo
changed the media scene of Pakistan. It is the most popular channel with the highest viewer
ship in cities.
Geo has also been awarded best electronic mass media award 2004 by Pakistan adv.
Association.
Business week one of the top 3 magazines of the world while including the news of MSR in
25 stars of Asia wrote that “Geo has become the most watched TV channel of Pakistan and
its viewer ship is growing at the rate of 30% annually.
According to Gallup, Geo is highly rated and the most watched satellite channel in Pakistan
for its entertainment, news talk shows and flavored programs.
Conclusion
From this research, we conclude that: Geo is the only independent and liberal channel with
the unique honor of consistently breaking news. Geo is an innovative concept that targets a
new, growing market. “We assume that the market will respond, and grow quickly in the
next 5 years” says, C.E.O Mir Ibrahim Rehman “Our goals are to create a reputation of
quality, consistency and security that will make us the leader of all new style channels. Geo
is a fast growing network of channels that is making rapid awareness among the people.
Geo’s main problem is the growing number of private sector channels causing more
competition. For this reason GEO must improve their strategy and competitive position.
Annexure
References