Watchdog restores Royal TV license

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 29 February 2016

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has restored Royal TV's license following payment of fines. The channel must continue to meet conditions to avoid future suspension.

Summary

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has restored the license of Royal TV after its managers paid the required fine.

The channel had its license suspended on February 10.

The decision to allow Royal resume its transmission was taken at a meeting held at the PEMRA office. However, the meeting noted the channel will be bound to air apology repeatedly, failing which it would be shut down again.

Royal TV was punished for not promptly paying off the fine and failing to apologize after telecasting vulgar and abusive remarks against prominent anchor Mubasher Lucman in two talk shows last November.

However, a PEMRA announcement said Monday the channel had now not only paid Rs100,000 but had also deposited half of another outstanding fine of Rs1 million.

Royal TV has sought time until April 29 to pay off the remaining amount.

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PEMRA's show cause notice to Royal TV

IFJ, PFUJ demand action against Royal TV

KEY POINTS:

• Royal TV's license was suspended on February 10.
• The channel paid Rs100,000 and half of another fine of Rs1 million.
• Royal TV is required to air repeated apologies for prior content.
• Failure to meet conditions may lead to another suspension.
• PEMRA meeting decided on the channel's license restoration.