PEMRA tells critics why it issued warnings to three channels

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 17 August 2017

PEMRA has responded to criticisms regarding warnings issued to ARY, HUM TV, and Geo Entertainment for airing objectionable content. The authority detailed specific violations and defended its actions against the backdrop of public concerns about indecency.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Thursday responded strongly to tweets by Senator Sherry Rehman and senior journalist Zahid Hussain who appeared to question the warnings issued to three television channels.

PEMRA explained its action by attaching the objectionable scenes aired by ARY Communications, HUM TV, and Geo Entertainment.

“This is to clarify that PEMRA issued warning to the above-mentioned TV channels for violating various clauses of PEMRA Ordinance and Code of Conduct 2015,” a press release said.

The release cited the specific violations that were committed by the channels.

One scene aired by ARY Communications on HBO channel for which it has sole landing rights features a kiss.

HUM TV clip shows a prostitute talking to a male actor about her customers.

A set of four images attached with the press release shows bottles of alcohol and what appear to be cans of beer. These images were from content Geo Entertainment aired.

Zahid Hussain tweeted Wednesday: “Why do they mean by"indecent" material? Pemra serves warning to Hum TV, ARY and Geo over airing 'indecent content'.”

On the other hand, Sherry Rehman tweeted: “This is all we need! A war over how women look on tv by the morality police that @pemrapakistan wants to become. Who will define "indecency"?

PEMRA said these visuals were posted on its official Twitter account and Facebook. “Senator Sherry Rehman and others who think that PEMRA has become a ‘morality police’ may kindly let PEMRA know if these visuals are appropriate in our society to be shown on TV screen which is watched by the entire family.”

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA issued warnings to three TV channels.
• Objectionable content included scenes featuring alcohol and sexual themes.
• The response was triggered by public criticism from politicians and journalists.
• PEMRA highlighted the channels' violation of its Code of Conduct 2015.
• Critics have raised concerns over PEMRA acting as 'morality police'.