News18 JKLH, a television news channel covering Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, has reportedly shut down its broadcast operations in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing an end to a channel that once held a significant presence in the Valley.
The shutdown follows sustained operational and financial challenges, with sources indicating that the channel struggled to maintain viewership and revenue, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.
According to sources familiar with the development, the channel will no longer be available on television platforms and is being shifted entirely to digital platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, as part of a restructuring strategy.
A staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that employees have been assured that their jobs will not be terminated and that they will be adjusted within the digital framework.
However, another staffer alleged that several experienced journalists associated with the channel either resigned or were forced to step down, raising questions about internal management decisions and editorial direction.
The channel, which transitioned from ETV Urdu to News18 Urdu and later to News18 JKLH, was once regarded as a strong regional voice, particularly in Kashmir.
Sources further said that the network plans to launch a new channel titled “Delhi NCR,” indicating a strategic shift in focus away from the region.
The closure has also drawn strong reactions from senior journalists. Veteran journalist Manoj Koul, who was associated with the earlier phase of the channel, wrote on social media: “The game has come to an end. Those who chose financial gain over self-respect have now been shown their worth. Rest in peace, People’s Voice — erstwhile ETV Urdu, currently News18 JKLH channel.”
The development highlights the growing challenges faced by regional television media and the increasing shift toward digital-first platforms in a rapidly evolving news ecosystem. (KNT)
