Computerisation and automation of Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) would be beneficial to all the stakeholders across the board.
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said this while presiding over a consultative session with the representatives of media bodies and officials of federal and provincial information departments on automation system of ABC here on Monday. The regional and local newspapers would also reap benefits of modern technology and new management information system, she said.
Marriyum said that automation was primarily aimed at ensuring credible and authentic newspapers circulation data, as once the online system was in place it would not only prove benevolent for the media industry, but would also enhance transparency and good governance.
The minister directed the authorities concerned to share management information system with the stakeholders for the test launch and it was decided that feedback by them would be given due consideration at the formal launch of the automation system.
It was also decided in the meeting that the stakeholders would come up with their feedback by May 10, 2017, and the next consultative session would be held on May 15, 2017.
The media bodies appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage in streamlining and facilitating the existing process of ABC. They apprised the meeting that they would be holding consultations amongst their representative bodies and others having a stake in the proposed initiative, before giving final feedback on the subject.
The meeting was attended by information secretary, principal information officer, ABC director general, senior officials of provincial information departments, and representatives of All Pakistan Newspapers Society and Council for Pakistan Newspapers Editors.