More curbs on media in the offing
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 28 May 2021
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The Pakistani government is set to introduce stricter media regulations by merging existing regulatory bodies into the Pakistan Media Development Authority. New laws will require news websites to register and obtain renewal certificates.Summary
ISLAMABAD—The government is about to launch a new law by combining all media regulators for regulating the media.
Reports say the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) will be merged. The new regulatory body is likely to be named Pakistan Media Development Authority.
The law will require registration of all websites and for news websites to obtain registration certificates. These will need periodic renewals. Media tribunals are also reportedly proposed.
A leading media analyst, familiar with the development, termed it a 'media martial law.'
KEY POINTS:
- Government to merge PEMRA, PTA, and PCP into one authority.
- New body to be named Pakistan Media Development Authority.
- Registration required for all news websites.
- Periodic renewals for registration certificates mandated.
- Proposal for media tribunals has been suggested.
