Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Friday fined Hum TV Rs1 million for airing indecent content on January 29, 2017—the channel aired an episode “Chew Gum” in its drama series “Kitni Girhein Baqi Hein”.
Consequently, upon receiving a number of complaints from the general public, a show cause notice was issued to Eye Television Network (Pvt) Ltd (Hum TV) on February 20, said a PEMRA’s press release.
Through a show cause notice, the licensee was asked to explain its position within seven days.
The personal hearing committee on March 14, after hearing the representatives of the channel, reviewing the complaints, analysing the written reply of the channel dated February 23 and reviewing the objectionable clips, unanimously agreed that the content was in violation of clauses 3(1)(a), 3(1)(e), 12 and 17 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015.
Thus, on account of airing of the episode “Chew Gum” in the drama serial “Kitni Girhein Baqi Hein” having indecent content, violative of Clauses 3(1)(a), 3(1)(e), 12 and 17 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, a fine of Rs1,000,000 is imposed on the TV, payable within three weeks from the issuance of this decision, it added.
The press release further said the channel is also warned to be vigilant in the selection of the theme of the dramas/soaps, keeping in view the provisions of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, socio-cultural norms and values of the country.
In order to avoid any violation of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015, the channel is directed to appoint in-house committee as mandated under Section 20(f) of PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, read with Regulation 8(5)(a) of PEMRA (Television Broadcast Operations) Regulations, 2012 and Clause 17 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, and provide details to PEMRA within three weeks, it concluded.