News agencies
Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) is the main news agency in Pakistan. It began its operations in 1947. In 1961, APP was taken over by the government on the pretext of financial difficulties. It offers news in English, Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Brahvi, Seraiki and Arabic languages. Being a government organisation allows APP greater access than any other Pakistani news agency can muster. It gives disproportionately more coverage to the engagements and statements of cabinet ministers and government functionaries. The news content generally gives more favourable coverage to the government. APP has news exchange agreements with 37 foreign news agencies.
There are a number of privately owned news agencies as well. The main ones include Network News International, which was established in 1992 and provides services in English and Urdu. Online International News Network initiated its operations in 1999 and also offers news services in English and Urdu. Pakistan Press International (PPI) was established in 1956 as Pakistan Press Association (PPA) and renamed as PPI in 1968. PPI offers text, photo and audio news services in English and Urdu.