Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) directed all TV channels to avoid the release of unverified, false and baseless news items keeping in view the journalistic ethics.
The PEMRA expressed seriously concerned over an unverified news item on aired on August 11, by various TV news channels regarding the false death report of former test cricketer Muhammad Hanif, said a circular issued by the authority.
It added that the above news items caused annoyance for the family of former test cricketer and its relatives while the general public was also misguided.
The circular stated that such act of the news channels was unacceptable in every civilised society.
PEMRA advised all TV news, current affairs and TV channels to ensure the release of verified news items in accordance with code of ethics given by the Supreme Court.
Setting high standards for media
Pemra has finally made a very good decision to ensure that the media airs only authentic and verified news to not only decrease confusion but also to protect people from unnecessary pain. Although this order is late in coming, but it is a welcome step by Pemra. This will help improve the quality of the news that is shared and also help enhance the image of the country and of course the media.
Over the years many channels have set low levels of journalism which has actually done more harm than good. It was time that someone regulated the quality of content being disseminated to the viewers – as it is the media's responsibility to act as educator, reporter and advisor. Therefore it is necessary that it be responsible on what it shares and how it shares it in the best possible way.
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