Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Tuesday warned television channels against repeating practices parallel to those undertaken by now-sacked morning show host Maya Khan or face serious action.
In its 73rd meeting held at PEMRA Headquarters Islamabad, PEMRA also consensually approved the revised TV/Radio Broadcasting Operations Regulations which were devised on modern lines in consultation with stakeholders. The revision of the regulation was essential to remove a number of anomalies in the old version of regulation after enactment of PEMRA Act 2007 and PEMRA Rules 2009.
The authority also approved opening up Phase-X for awarding FM licenses in 30 districts of country, including the Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK. It was viewed that though there are 154 FM licensees across the country but there were still number of uncovered areas where there were inadequate FM radios or either no FM radio at all. To spur media outreach, the Authority directed to open up new phase of awarding FM radio licenses.
Besides, the Authority imposed fine of Rs. 0.5 million each on three major FM radio licensees namely M/s Mehran Media (Pvt.) Ltd., M/s Media Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd. M/s Solar Communication (Pvt.) Ltd. for illegally transferring shares in violation of section 20 (i) of PEMRA law.
The authority also took serious notice of creeping undesirable media practices whereby the TV channels in particular have started invading the personal privacy disregarding social norms and ethics. Serious notice was taken of a controversial morning show by a private TV channel hosted by Maya Khan. Authority warned channels not to repeat any such absurdness failing which the authority will have to retaliate seriously. PEMRA members however, acknowledged that after PEMRA’s intervention, the entire team of that morning show was sacked by the Samaa TV management. The authority also reiterated its resolve to curb the derogatory, and defamatory satirical programmes aired by many channels in the guise of parody that are inadvertently being used for demeaning and defaming dignitaries.
The meeting was attended by Acting Chairman PEMRA Dr Abdul Jabbar, Secretary Ministry of Information, Secretary Ministry of Interior, Chairman PTA and other Members included Mian Shams (Punjab), Israr Ahmad Abbassi (AJ&K), Shama Parveen Magsi (Baluchistan) and Fareeha Iftikhar (KP).
