Tooba Ghumro, the former face of ARY News, is one of the names in our media industry who appeared on screen, established a place and then suddenly disappeared. Tooba is currently residing in Houston, Texas. She moved to the USA in 2011 in order to seek internship with CNN.
Talking about that lost opportunity Tooba sas, “due to the delay in my legal documents in Houston I missed my deadline to appear in CNN office in Atlanta and I missed the opportunity. I was yet able to attend some major events in different parts of US to provide media coverage.”
These days Tooba work as a weekend reporter and content producer with popular TV stations, which included working with Henry Medrano the director news of channel 39 (CW39) Houston. She also happens to work in financial arena of multi million dollar group of companies which are popular nationwide.
Tooba hold a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Economic and she is pursuing her journalism masters degree from Houston University. She started her news career from KTN News in Bangkok media city in 2006 when she was only 16 years old. She got her big break on national television ARY News as a front-line news anchor in 2009.
Tooba was born and raised in Karachi and she comes from a very progressive, supportive and educated Sindhi family.
We got the opportunity to reach out to her and here is what she replied to our questions.
What it was like facing camera for the first time. And now after years of staying away from the news studio. Do you miss it?
Tooba Ghumro: For most people it would have been terrifying to face the camera for the first time but, for me it was an opportunity. I was looking forward to be in front of the camera. My first experience was very exciting and accelerating.
Yes, I do miss being in a news studio but, the opportunities that are available in the United States are huge. I am working and looking forward to an opportunity to get back in front of the camera which takes time when you are in a new country to prove yourself worthy.
How you see things in Pakistani media changed as compared to your time with media and now?
Tooba Ghumro: Back in the days when I was in Pakistani media, it was about getting factual news out to the public. Today, it appears to be more about sensationalism than facts.
How was the decision of quitting media come about? Was it difficult?
Tooba Ghumro: I did not quit the news industry entirely. I shifted my focus to an international media platform.
How is life away from camera and news studios? What keeps you busy these days?
Tooba Ghumro: Life away from Camera is much more sedate. I would like to mention here thou that over the period of 10 years that I have lived in America I have been associated with TV work by working on paid content for popular stations.
Besides my time spent in news media here in America my full time work with a multi million dollar company keeps my very busy in the accounting and financial arena.
What is your take on role of women in Pakistani Media?
Tooba Ghumro: I feel that women should be financially independent and able to make their living on their own if they wish. News media is a perfect opportunity for a woman to showcase her determination and abilities for advancement in the industry.
Would you like to recall any interesting incident from your news anchoring days
Tooba Ghumro: A funny incident did take place during my career as an anchor woman in Thaicom Media city in Bangkok, when I spotted a wasp in the news studio while I was recording the news. As I was reading the news from the teleprompter I pulled the mic off and ran out of the studio which left an open mic & all was recorded for public consumption.
Who is your favorite news anchor (of all time and of current era)?
Tooba Ghumro: Although there were news anchors out there that were worthy of a accolade, I was more interested in developing my own style of news presentation.
Tooba as a news anchor or Tooba as glob trotting traveler what do you enjoy the most?
Tooba Ghumro: I would say both. Tooba as a news anchor was accelerating but, I also enjoy traveling because, I get to see beautiful places, I get to meet interesting people and different cultures.
Traveling not only just add into my experiences but it gives me tremendous amount of confidence.
Do you have a plan to return to screen?
Tooba Ghumro: I have never quit the media entirely. Being in-front of the camera has not been a priority at this time. I definitely have plans to return to screen at a future date.
Any message you like to give to readers and followers of MediaSpringPk?
Tooba Ghumro: I would like to say to the readers that always believe in yourself, never stop dreaming. You can make your dreams come true through hard work and determination.
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