PEMRA rules amended to stop hate speech

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 21 August 2015

The Ministry of Information has issued amendments to PEMRA rules, banning hate speech in broadcasts. This follows the Supreme Court's directive for a new Code of Conduct.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Thursday formally issued Code of Conduct 2015 for amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Rules 2009, under which electronic media have been directed to ensure that no hate speech is aired in any of their programs.
 
A notification has been issued as per the directions by the Supreme Court of Pakistan during the hearing of PEMRA case on Wednesday in which the apex court directed the authority to issue code of conduct for media which would come into force immediately.
 
Talking to APP, Irfan Siddiqui, Chairman Code of Conduct committee and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Affairs termed the Code of Conduct as a milestone in the history of electronic media.
 
Commending the role of Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Siddiqui expressed the confidence that there would be no hurdles in the implementation of this Code as it enjoys voluntarily approval from the PBA.
 
He maintained that after the directions by the apex court on Wednesday, the federal government issued the Code of Conduct the same day.
 
To a question, he said the government is ready to negotiate on the reservations by PBA regarding implementation mechanism with an open heart.
 
According to the notification, "Licensee shall ensure that hate speech by any of its employees or any guest in a programme is not aired".
 
"Hate speech includes any expression that may incite violence, hatred or discrimination on the basis of religion, ethnicity, colour, race, gender, origin, caste, mental or physical disability".
 
According to the 24 point notification, electronic media have been asked to ensure not to air any such material which is against the Islamic values, ideology of Pakistan or founding fathers of the nation including Quaid-e-Azam and Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Moreover, Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015 shall replace the existing Code of Conduct for media broadcasters and cable TV operators. – APP

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA amendments aim to eliminate hate speech from electronic media.
• New Code of Conduct takes effect immediately following Supreme Court ruling.
• Media organizations must prevent hate speech by employees and guests.
• The Code aligns with Islamic values and the ideology of Pakistan.
• The Pakistan Broadcasters Association supports the new regulations.