Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on Nickelodeon (nick) for showing indecent content in its episode “The Emperor’s Throne” of the cartoon series “Winx Club”. In the episode, a cartoon character is shown indecently dressed.
After airing of the content, PEMRA had issued a show cause notice to the channel on April 28, 2017, directing the management of the channel to explain its position in writing as well as appear for personal hearing on May 5, 2017. Later, after hearing the representative of the channel and analysing the written reply, it was found that the channel had aired the above-mentioned content in violation of Clauses 3(1)(a), 3(1)(e), 12 and 17 of Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015.
On account of airing the content and thus committing a violation of Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015, the channel is not only fined but is also warned to be vigilant while airing the cartoon series.
In order to avoid any violation of the Code of Conduct, the channel is directed to appoint an in-house Committee to monitor the content before it goes on air and to provide the details to PEMRA within fourteen days. In case of non-compliance of the above decision, the Authority shall proceed as per law.
