geo tv pakistan final
TRANSCRIPT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, we are thankful to Almighty Allah, who has given us the strength and
determination to carry out this research.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Associate Prof. Hannya Abid 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. Salar (HR Head, GEO), Mr. Shadaat Tayyab
(Corporate Head, GEO) and Mr. Saqib Noor Ahmed (Associate HR Manager, GEO), for their
assistance in data collection.
Also thanks to all of our group members Mr. Ali Asgher, Mr. Asad, Mr. Fazal Hameed, Mr.
Furqan Ahmed, Miss Sania We all put our efforts together in the form of an excellent group
with coordination and high spirits.
Sincere thanks are also extended to all those who have helped us to complete our project.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
History of GEO
GEO Television Network
Introducing GEO TV
Mission Statement
Vision Statement
Basic Objective
Value Statement
Company Logo
(PLANNING) GOALS & STRATEGIES
Short Term Goals
Long Term Goals
Strategic Planning
Operational Planning
Growth Strategy
Crisis Management
SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
CORPORATE PROFILE
Nature of Business
Target Market
Type of Ownership
Financial Resources
Revenues
Channels
Market Share
Competitors
Production Capacity
External Environment
LEADING
Leadership Style
Internal Environment
Internal Communication
Level of Informality
Internal Culture
Motivation
ORGANIZING
Level of Management/Designation
Organization Structure
Span of Control
Organizational Chart
Decision making Style
Leading Designation
Departmentalization of GEO
i. Functional Departmentalization
ii. Geographical Departmentalization
Departments/Divisions
Human Resource Management of .GEO
CONTROLING
Achievements and Awards
Conclusion
References
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.
It launched the first interactive infotainment programs in Pakistan,
engaging and empowering the viewer. Consistently scoops all rival
broadcasters on major news events. Besides seven bureaus in Pakistan, a
robust international network feeds live content from 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
GEO TELEVISION NETWORK
GEO started its test transmission on 14 August 2002.
“The National association of Broadcasters (USA). World’s largest
association of broadcasters has honored GEO with the “Award for
Quality” declaring it an international standard television channel.” To
build a reputable identity in a cluster of different channels in just a
period of four years was not an easy task. Geo is known for its unique
entertainment, hot talk shows, truth revealing news and informative
programs.
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 future will be built. It is this very foundation that will
allow GEO to attain and sustain a leadership position, thus fulfilling the
promise associated with its creation.”
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’.
An animated spot, ‘Peela-Neela’ was specifically aimed at unveiling the
‘Design Rationale’ of the logo to the audience. The logo has been
warmly received by the Pakistani audience and in a short span of time
has come to represent Quality Broadcast with great production and
content values.
BASIC OBJECTIVE
Like all for-profit organizations, GEO’s basic objective is also revenue generation. VALUE STATEMENTS
We are a team.
We respect each other.
We encourage self-development.
We hold high expectations.
We embrace change.
We value our Viewers.
We provide exceptional service that leaves an impression.
We support our community.
Consistent entertainment service and production quality.
PLANNING AND GOALS
SHORT TERM GOAL:
In HR Department the short term goals of GEO TV is to hire new
qualified employees in their Islamabad branch and salary services are
also short terms goal of GEO.
LONG TERM GOAL:
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:
The plans that are applied to entire organization, establish the organization’s overall
goals, and seek to position the organization in terms of its environment are called
strategic plans. GEO is following the strategic plans consistently.
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
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.
Unfortunately, however because it is impossible to forecast the future
precisely, no organization can ever be perfectly prepared for every
eventuality.
SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS :
New ideas and concept with fast execution has become a trademark of
GEO -- 'Fastest Firsts'.
First to bring the 'Breaking News' concept in Pakistan.
Unbiased, accurate and timely 24-hour news in ‘Urdu language’.
Most competitive work team.
Goodwill as the largest media group in the country.
Here is a look at just some of them:
FOR EXAMPLE:
First to give election results -- 7 hours before the nearest
competitor. (Election 2002 special transmission and coverage).
First to use videophones in Iraq and Afghanistan and remote
regions of Pakistan for live coverage.
First to start political satire in Pakistan depicting current and past
heads of state (Hum Sub Umeed Say Hain).
The first to produce joint India-Pak ventures like "Gaye Gi Duniya
Geet Meray", "Faslay" and "Lakhon Mein Teen".
First to have live link-up with USA & UK.
WEAKNESSES :
It is a newly established company so it is still under the learning
process.
Because Pakistan has no institute that provides formal education
on this field they are required to have all employees trained from
foreign institutions.
Lack of innovation in the entertainment scene.
OPPORTUNITIES :
Growing awareness about GEO of the people. They are attracted
towards entertainment.
Increase in viewer-ship
Improvement of Pakistan’s terms with India. It increases cultural
activities.
THREATS :
Fear of competition:
Especially in entertainment because of new channels.
Employee turnover :
Geo’s employee turnover is under 5%
New channels attract GEO qualified and trained employees by
offering them 3 times the salary they earn at GEO. They also
offer different fields of jobs. These demands are difficult to meet
for GEO.
CORPORATE PROFILE
NATURE OF BUSINESS
It is an International Electronic Media service providing News and Entertainment services.
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
It is basically a family business they have no external shares.
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.
PRODUCTS
It is not actually a manufacturing business rather a service business that generates cable TV channels namely:
Geo News
Geo TV(entertainment)
Geo UK(infotainment)
Geo USA
GEO ME
GEO Canada
GEO SUPER
GEO EUOROPE
GEO JAPAN
AAG TV
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.
In case of a catastrophe in the environment GEO network is affected in two ways. It is
positively affected when viewers depend on Geo News to give them Live Coverage on the
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:
--Develops plans to help employees evaluate their own performance
--Allows employees to establish goals .
--Encourages employees to grow on the job and be promoted
--Recognizes and encourages achievement.
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:
They have a No-Smoking environment however, they have specified
a zone for smoking only.
Every employee has to display the GEO Identity Badge.
All employees should conduct the display of Discipline strictly
because of too much interaction with the other departments.
There is no formal dress code except for certain levels such as, the
Heads of the Departments.
Eatables are not allowed everywhere in the office except in the
Café.
Employees mush reach and leave the office in time at the 10-7
office timings.
MOTIVATING THE EMPLOYEES
Some of Geo’s tools of Motivation for employee welfare are:
Performance based incentives.
Annual evaluation of the employee’s performance is discussed with
the employee.
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. 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.
ORGANIZING
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE & STYLE
Geo consists of 1600 plus employees around the world.
LEVELS OF MANAGEMENT/DESIGNATIONS
TOP MANAGERS
Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O)
Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O)
Managing Director GEO News
Managing Director GEO ENTERTAINMENT
President
MIDDLE MANAGERS
Directors
Director News
Content Head (Production)
Regional Heads
Bureau Chief News
Senior Executive Producer Entertainment:
General Managers
FIRST LINE 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.
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
DECISION MAKING STYLE
It is highly decentralized but also partially centralized.
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.
LEADING DESIGNATION
The C.E.O Mir Ibrahim-Ur-Rehman is in charge of the Content
Production and transmission.
The C.O.O Zaheer-U-Din Khan is in charge of all operational
departments (Marketing, sales, finance etc.).
President Imran Aslam is responsible for Content portion of GEO.
MD. News Azhar Abbas is responsible for GEO News.
MD. Entertainment Yousaf Baig Mirza is responsible for GEO
Entertainment.
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.
It is classified according to:
1) Functional Departmentalization
2) Geographic Departmentalization
FUNCTIONAL DEPARTMENTALIZATION
1. Geo has developed departments according to a groups functional
activities such as the
2. Geo News Department
3. Entertainment Department
4. Infotainment Department
5. Product Development Department
6. Archiving Department
7. Children’s Division
8. Human Resources Department
9. Geo Operations Department
10. Technical Department
11. Finance Department
12. Marketing Department
13. Sales Department
14. Creative Department
15. Music Programming Department
16. Research Department
17. Geo Talent Department
18. Events Department
19. Sports Programming Department
20. Scripting Department
21. Game Shows Department
22. Fashion Design Department
23. IT Department
24. Transmission Department
25. Communications 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
1. Lahore
2. Islamabad
3. Peshawar
4. Quetta
5. Multan
Besides that there are also out station reporters of Geo who work individually and has no office for example:
Sailkot
Gujranwala and almost in all districts.
EARTH STATION:
Dubai .This is the station where all transmission and telecast of programs is undertaken.
INTERNATIONAL OPERATION OFFICE:
United Kingdom and the United States of America.
DEPARTMENTS/DIVISIONS:
GEO NEWS DEPARTMENT
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 different because it makes a difference!
Producing, Editing, Anchoring, Reporting and Footage all take place under
this department.
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.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
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 tie, 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.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT
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.
GEO OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
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
Creativity needs to be disseminated. This is where the engineers,
technicians, maintenance engineers, light and sound engineers,
transmission staff comes in. They are the people who 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.
MUSIC PROGRAMMING DEPARTMENT
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 DEPARTMENT
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, must the event 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 DEPARTMENT
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.
FASHION DESIGN DEPARTMENT
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 is 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.
Mr salar, 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
Recruitment and Selection.
Training and Development.
Performance Appraisal.
Remuneration & Benefits.
Employee Welfare (safety and health, incentives, motivation etc.)
When any post is vacant, GM HR Mr. Salar sends the request to the HR
Department for the vacant post.
HR department determines two things
Job Description.
Job Specification.
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION
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.
Members of TEAMGEO come from a diverse background, and are expected
to be progressive, open-minded, professional and hardworking. It is not
essential to be academically strong, but a strong work ethic is essential.
Excellent communication skills are required, this includes being able to
use basic computer applications. An interest in reading and writing is
always an advantage. When we asked about the job rotation process,
their HR manger told us that there is job placement in our company, which
is similar to job rotation.
INTERNAL RECRUITMENT
In GEO, vacant posts are also filled internally to provide an opportunity for
the workers already working in the organization.
EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT
In GEO, fresh or experienced candidates are also preferred and hired.
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
Filling out application forms.
Application screening.(short listing)
Tests. (Written and Practical)
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.
Some of Geo’s tools of Motivation for employee welfare are:
Performance based incentives.
Annual evaluation of the employee’s performance is discussed with
the employee.
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.
Annual Employee Functions.
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.
HRM POLICIES OF GEO
Gender Justice Policy
Sexual Harassment Policy
Discrimination Policy
CONTROLLING
CONTROL PROCESS:
HRM AND EMPLOYEE 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 polices and implement them strictly.
GEO uses the 360 degrees appraisal in which subordinates evaluate their
seniors. Each individual (subordinate) evaluates their boss’s behaviour,
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.
Department-to-Department evaluation is also done in GEO in which one
department evaluates the performance of another department.
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.
MARKET CONTROL PROCESS
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.
QUALITY CONTROL PROCESS
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).
ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
EXCLUSIVITY OF GEO
National association of Broadcasters (USA). World’s largest association of
broadcasters has honored GEO with the “Award for Quality” declaring it
an international standard television channel.
Some international newspapers, magazines and news agencies have
commented on 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 won a special award at the nouticaslo TV festival 2005.
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.
REFERENCES
1) Mr. Mir Ibrahim-Ur-Rehman (CEO, GEO), (0345-4028903)
2) Mr. Shaheen Raza (Regional Sales Manager, GEO) (0300-9481078)
3) Mr. Salar (HR Head, GEO) (0300-9475506)
4) Google images
7) Wikipedia
8) www.geotv.com