PEMRA directive to TV and FM radio channels

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 March 2017

PEMRA has issued a directive to ensure compliance among TV and FM radio channels with specific legal provisions. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in legal consequences.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed television and FM Radio channels to ensure compliance with certain mandatory provisions or face stern legal action.

The regulator said in a press release Wednesday that “Article-19 of the Constitution of Pakistan obliges that every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security of defence of Pakistan or any part thereof friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, (commission of) or incitement to an offence.”

The release said that “Section-20 of PEMRA Amendment Act-2007, interalia, enjoins the licensees of electronic media to preserve religious values, prohibit religious discriminations and comply with the Electronic Media Code of Conduct-2015.”

PEMRA said that “Provision-3 (a), (d), (f) & Provision 10 of Electronic Media Code of Conduct-2015 specifically prohibits airing of any content which may be derogatory or insulting towards any religion and is against Islamic values and ideology of Pakistan.”

Image courtesy: BP's Fuel for Thought

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA emphasizes compliance with Article-19 of the Constitution.
• Channels must respect religious values and avoid derogatory content.
• Non-compliance could lead to strict legal actions against media outlets.
• Electronic Media Code of Conduct-2015 prohibits insulting religious content.
• The directive aims to uphold decency and morality in broadcasts.