PEMRA sends show cause notice to Hum TV

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 20 February 2017

PEMRA has issued a show cause notice to Hum TV regarding objectionable content aired in a drama episode. The channel is required to provide an explanation by February 27.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Serving a show cause notice on Hum TV, electronic media watchdog PEMRA has sought explanation on why it aired content deemed objectionable during an episode of drama serial ‘Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain’.

The regulator said the content about same sex relationships in the episode ‘Chewing Gum’ was severely criticized by viewers and it had received several complaints.

According to PEMRA, the complainants said airing such material was not acceptable.

PEMRA noted the broadcast in question showed unprofessionalism and lack of seriousness of the channel’s internal control committee.

It asked Hum management to explain under what policy it chose the script, direction and the topic, and how it was approved.

Hum also previously erred and was issued an advisory which was ignored, PEMRA said.  It asked the channel to also explain if there was any foreign funding involved.

The managers at Hum have been given until February 27 to explain their position.

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA issued a notice to Hum TV for objectionable content.
• The drama episode 'Chewing Gum' faced viewer criticism.
• Complaints highlighted unprofessionalism in content approval.
• Hum TV must explain its editorial decisions to PEMRA.
• Response is due by February 27.