ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has reiterated all news and current affairs channels to strictly adhere to the media ethics while reporting incidents related to violence, crime, sexual abuse, terrorism, abduction, and natural disaster.
The authority had already issued an advice on the same matter last month in which all news channels were requested to ensure strict compliance to the provisions of the Electronic Media (Progammes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, and to specifically follow the provisions pertaining to violence, crime, sexual abuse, rape, terrorism, abduction and natural calamity.
It said that it has been a receipt of constant complaints from various segments of the society, particularly from the parents. who complain about unnecessary sensationalism by the news channels. It is being complained that the channels go overboard while reporting crimes which is akin to the glorification of crime and criminals, the authority said.
All satellite TV channels were reminded to avoid unnecessary hype and sensationalism while reporting crime, violence, sexual abuse, disclosure of identities of victims and criminals and avoid inclusion of such news in every bulletin.
All the licensees are requested to ensure strict compliance of the laws as well as Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015 as failure to do so can result in legal actions against violators, PEMRA warned.
