36 TV channels fined for violating code

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 3 April 2014 |  Daud Malik

Thirty-six private TV channels have been fined for various violations of PEMRA's code of conduct. The fines were disclosed in the National Assembly and amount to Rs one million each.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday presented in the National Assembly a list of 36 private TV channels which have been fined for violations like airing excessive foreign content, vulgarity, and misleading and illegal advertisement. All these channels have been fined Rs one million each.

The list was presented in response to a question by Jammat-e-Islami MNA Sher Akbar Khan who wanted to know if the public and private TV channels are following the code of conduct issued by PEMRA. And if the TV channels were not following the code of conduct, the legislator asked what steps PEMRA had taken against violators in the last five years.

In his reply, Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Rashid clarified that the channels of national broadcaster do not fall under the regulatory ambit of PEMRA. He added that the content “aired on private satellite TV channels, licensed by PEMRA” was generally in “accordance with the prescribed Code of Conduct devised under the Rule (15) of PEMRA Rules 2009 as well as social, cultural and religious values of the country.” However, in cases where violations were committed, fines were imposed on Pakistani satellite TV channels.

List of satellite TV channels fined for various violations:

KEY POINTS:

• 36 TV channels fined Rs one million each
• Violations include excessive foreign content and misleading ads
• Presented in National Assembly by MNA Sher Akbar Khan
• Minister clarified national broadcasters are not under PEMRA
• Fines are meant to enforce compliance with media regulations.