PEMRA notices to nearly 30 channels for airing false news
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 23 February 2017
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The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has acted against approximately 30 TV channels for airing misleading information regarding a bomb blast in Lahore. The suspected channels have been given a chance to respond to potential fines or license actions.Summary
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Thursday issued show cause notices to nearly 30 television channels for airing false news about a blast in Lahore’s Gulberg neighborhood.
The channels reported the ‘breaking news’ between 1:00pm-2:00pm creating panic and fear among the public, the regulator said.
It has asked the erring channels to explain why they not be fined up to Rs1 million each or their licenses not be suspended/cancelled.
The channels that aired the false news were Geo, Khyber News, 92 News, Dunya, Samaa, Metro 1, ARY, Awaz, Jaag, Abb Takk, Roze, DawnNews, Mehran, Kohinoor, 7 News, Lahore News, Neo, Capital, Sach, Sindh TV, Express News, Channel 5, Din, Waqt, KTN, NewsOne, Channel 24, BOL, and K-21.
KEY POINTS:
- PEMRA issued notices to nearly 30 channels.
- Channels reported false news about a Lahore blast.
- Regulator threatens fines up to Rs1 million.
- Channels include Geo, ARY, and Dunya.
- Public panic was caused by the misleading reports.
