PEMRA issues warning to private TV channels for airing indecent content

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued separate warnings to private TV channels Geo Entertainment, ARY Communications, and HUM TV for airing indecent content in their entertainment programmes.

Geo Entertainment had broadcast a drama serial on Aug 7, 2017. In the said drama, such content was aired as was against various clauses of PEMRA laws and Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015 as well as socio-cultural norms and values of the country.

M/s Eye Television Limited (HUM) had also aired indecent content on May 21, 2017, for which it was issued a show cause notice. After considering the stance taken by the management of the TV channel, it was found that the channel had violated various clauses of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015 (programmes and advertisements), sociocultural norms and values of the country.

ARY Communications was also issued a show cause notice by PEMRA to explain why “HBO” aired indecent content on April 10, 2017. This act of the channel was found against various provisions of Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015, socio-cultural norms and values of the country. Since ARY Communications is the sole landing rights owner of the HBO, it was directed by the authority to explain its position. After examining reply of the TV channel, it was found that the channel had violated various PEMRA laws and clauses of Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.

The authority has separately issued warning to the management of all the three TV channels directing them to comply with the terms and conditions of their licenses, respect the country’s socio-cultural norms and appoint/train effective and efficient in-house editorial committees to avoid such violations in futures.

In case of repeated violations, action will be taken under relevant PEMRA’s laws.