PEMRA Warns TV Channels For Airing Anti-judiciary Programs

Faizan Hashmi Published January 19, 2019 | 12:47 AM

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Friday warned all satellite TV channels for airing any program undermining the sanctity of judiciary and other state institutions

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Jan, 2019 ) :Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Friday warned all satellite tv channels for airing any program undermining the sanctity of judiciary and other state institutions.

In a formal warning issued here by the General Manager (Operations-Broadcast Media), it has been said that those failing to comply this warning will have to face strict action by the Authority under Section 27, 29, 30 and 33 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PMERA (Amendment) Act, 2007 and 2018 besides initiation of contempt of court proceedings.

It has been directed to ensure that no hateful, defamatory, malicious and derogatory content, speech, press conference or talk show is aired, broadcast or televised in any manner, live or recorded, which may likely undermine the sanctity of judiciary and other state institutions.

In this warning letter, it has been said that TV channels are airing marathon transmissions, talk shows containing defamatory and derogatory programmes targeting judiciary and other state institutions, particularly since January 17, 2019.

Such malicious and indecent content is going on-air, without editing, substantiating weak editorial control of satellite TV channel licensees, who are running affairs abysmally.

The warning letter said that airing of such content is in violation of PEMRA Laws including Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015 and judgments of apex court and Lahore High Court in certain cases.

It has been warned to ensure that no hateful, defamatory, malicious and derogatory content,speech, press conference, talk show is aired, broadcast or televised in any manner, live orrecorded., which may likely undermine the sanctity of judiciary and other state institutions.