Sara Siddiqi
Ms Sara Siddiqi a Master’s degree holder in international broadcast journalism, she was appointed vice chairwoman of Samaa TV by her father, the founder and chairman of Samaa TV, Zafar Siddiqui in 2016. But this was not before she worked as a presenter and producer on Samaa TV and a string of stints with broadcasters such as BBC, Channel 4, CCTV and ITN. She has experience in broadcast journalism, documentary making, media research and online journalism. She also runs www.cutacut.com, a digital media platform set up by and for the Desi Millenial and aims to “cut through the clutter of content and bring […] stories that really matter”. It covers culture, entertainment, politics, gender and money and profiles ordinary people with extraordinary stories, influencers, celebrities and trend setters. It has a stated mission to “disrupt the industry, to challenge boundaries, create a dialogue about issues that have been brushed away and to make a social impact by giving a voice to the people, the issues and the causes that have been overlooked for far too long”. She was given control of FM107.4 after her father took over a company, registered with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
Business
Radio Broadcasting
Radio Buraq (Private) Limited
TV Broadcasting
Jaag Broadcasting System Private Limited (family owned)
Family & Friends
Affiliated Interests Family Members Friends
Sara’s father, founded Samaa TV in 2007 and continues to serve it as its founding chairman. He is a former Pakistan partner of KPMG, a global network of firms providing audit, tax and advisory services. He ventured into media business in 1995 by establishing a broadcast service Telebiz in Karachi in 1995. Before founding Samaa TV, he co-founded Africa Business News (Pvt) Ltd in 2008, co-founded CNBC Africa and founded CNBC Arabia – serving in all as chairman. He is also founder and chairman of CNBC Pakistan. He has been providing strategic oversight to these networks that serve over 70 countries with staff of over 1,000 people. Siddiqi is also the co-founder of Murdoch University in Dubai. He has also served on the board of the International Emmy's as well as the advisory council of the president of Nigeria. He is an Adjunct Professor of Murdoch University. He has a degree in chartered accountancy from the Institute of Chartered Accountants (England & Wales).
Further Information
Meta Data
An information request was sent to the station on 8 February 2019 through a courier company as well as by email. The station did not respond to the request. A reminder was couriered on 15 February 2019 and emailed on 18 February 2019. Naveed Siddiqi told in response to reminder that “The details pertaining to Jaag Broadcasting systems have already been sent to MOM”. However, MOM Pakistan team obtained certified copies of documents of the company which owns FM 104 from Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan through a paid request. These documents show that the current owner with over 98 percent shares is the daughter of the owner of Samaa TV.
