Hifza Chaudhry is one of the most prominent and emerging names of Pakistan’s broadcast journalism and media sapphire. She was an ace student, and now an ace news anchor. She started her career as trainee news anchor at City 42. Moving to Karachi brought volume to her career as she became the face of Samaa TV. Earlier this year Hifza joined Geo News as the news anchor and currently is associated with the same media house.
Recently team MediaSpring PK got a chance to have a conversation with Hifza Chaudhry. And this is what she had to say!
1- Were you always attracted to journalism and media and when did you realize that a career as a media person was for you?
Hifza Chaudhary: Well, it all started when I was a student of media & communications. I gave my first audition at City42 and I got selected. I started my career from City42 as trainee News Anchor and with time my job became my passion.
2- Tell us something about your educational background, and to what extent do you think your education and your academic degree has helped you in your career?
Hifza Chaudhary: I studied journalism and specialized in media management from University of Management and Technology (UMT). I got two gold medals during my Masters in media and communication for scoring a throughout GPA of 4. My education and my degree has helped me a lot in my career.
3 -Tell us something about your family, which city are you from, how many family members are there in your family, how supportive your family is about your career and work. And how much do you think family support is important?
Hifza Chaudhary: I am from Lahore and I have a big family, four brothers & six 6 sisters. My family is very affectionate, positive and supportive. I have got enough confidence and support from my home that I can do what I want.
4- What part of your work you find the most challenging and which one you enjoyed the most?
Hifza Chaudhary: The most challenging part is when one has to cover a sad news or any sensitive story. On the other hand, I enjoy the lively coverage like weather chunks, and patriotic stories.
5- In Pakistan mostly there is an issue of not treating male professionals and female professionals equally. i.e. in past a PTV news caster was not allowed to read a sad news since being a woman she would be unable to hold emotions, does that mind set of 1970s and 1980s still exist in our media?
Hifza Chaudhary: Now it is not like what it used to be in the past. I personally think that the private media groups are a very good addition & the best part of Pakistani media.
Mindsets have changed now male and female news anchors get equal opportunities
6- Sometimes listening to a bad news devastates our day, I am sure reading a bad news must have an effect on a news anchor too how do you coup up with that?
Hifza Chaudhary: Yes definitely, we are also human and as an individual I’m very sensitive but we have to be emotionally strong.
7- How important do you think a healthy rivalry is among the fellow news anchors, do you think anyone as your rival (heathy/professional rival of course)?
Hifza Chaudhary: Yes a healthy competition is very important and it teaches us a lot and also makes us better. I have a very positive approach and I’m never afraid of rivals. I believe that God Almighty helps those who have a positive attitude and devotion to do the best.
8- Keeping other update about what is going on around the world is a hectic job, what is your favourite off time activity?
Hifza Chaudhary: I am a sleeping beauty lol. I believe that in order to make dreams come true one needs to see those dreams first so I go to sleep. That is because the future depends on dreams. 🙂
9- Do you like reading books, if yes then what type of books. Also how much do you think study and personal research is important for a news anchor?
Hifza Chaudhary: Yes i read all types of books and magazines. Study and research work is very important for News Anchors, we need a strong content. That is because everyone knows that the Media is the watchdog of the society.
(P.C. Hifza Chaudhry)
10- We have seen a couple of examples from Pakistani news media that some news anchors shifted to modeling and acting do you have any such plans or have you ever got any acting or modeling offer?
Hifza Chaudhary: No, I do not have such plans. For my future my focus on my career in News, especially in news programming.
11- Define your personal style in three words
Hifza Chaudhary: Ambitious, cheerful, and sensitive
12- With the arrival and rise of social media among the Pakistani internet users how much do you think it has changed us in terms of being aware and is social media helping you in your profession if yes then in what way ?
Hifza Chaudhary: Yes, over the past few years the world has seen major news stories covered in real time using social media. Whether it’s the Olympics, a revolution, or a natural disaster, social media brings us the news faster than ever before and helps connect us directly with primary sources through first-hand posts, photos, and videos.
13- Any tip of message you would like to give to the people who want to join news media as journalist or news anchor?
Hifza Chaudhary: Hardwork surely is the key to success and this industry really looks for steadfast people so try and try again is the mantra.
14- Tough “Selfies” have taken over autograph, but have you ever asked for an autograph how did it feel when you gave your first autograph as news anchor/media personality?
Hifza Chaudhary: Honestly speaking I’ve never been asked for an autograph but yes for selfies all the times!
15- Most memorable news that you ever read as news anchor, and any news that you regretted to read on a news bulletin?
Hifza Chaudhary: Every good news is memorable and every sad & sensitive story leaves a mark on my memory like blast or suicidal attack, accidents regretted because it hurts so many people
16- What are future plans of ‘Hifza Chaudhary’?
Hifza Chaudhary: I want to anchor a show or a Programme of my own, The goal is to be the best Anchor of Pakistan media a industry and a best daughter ever 🙂
17- Any message for your fans and followers?
Hifza Chaudhary: Thank you! thank you all very much for your love, support and best wishes. Remember me in your prayers & love you all!
Hi m talal. I have seen you some times on Geo channel. you are good anchor and i personally say to you that you are my favorite anchor. Good luck.
Regards
Talal
I am ghulam. I have seen on geo TV you are good looking .best of luck
Hi! I am Majeed and I have seen u on geo news l like your personality and style I specially watch geo news when u their. My best wishes with you
Hi my name is Maqsood, I live in mississauga Ontario Canada. Recently when I watched on tv your urdu accent is excellent .but some time you look nervous. You have to over come with this, besides like I said you are excellent.