PEMRA warning in Urdu to news channels for revealing rape victim's identity

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 30 December 2015

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a warning to news channels for disclosing a rape victim's identity. The notice emphasizes compliance with the Electronic Media Code and the need for adequate editorial control.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Wednesday issued its first ever warning in the official language Urdu to all news channels, following the orders of Supreme Court. The warning was for violating “Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015” by revealing particulars and identity of a rape victim in Lahore. In the advice, PEMRA said that one reason for no effective implementation of code of conduct was lack of editorial control, monitoring and unavailability of monitoring committees in the channels. PEMRA letter also said that as per rules all licence holders would ensure effective editorial control and would not broadcast any live event without installing delaying mechanism. All licence holders were bound to set up institutional monitoring committees and inform PEMRA about compliance. The TV channels were told that violations of such clauses was a criminal act, so all electronic media organizations should avoid violations in future, otherwise action against the violating channels would be taken under the prevalent regulations. - APP

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA issued its first warning in Urdu to news channels.
• Warning followed a Supreme Court order regarding victim identity disclosure.
• Channels must improve editorial control and set up monitoring committees.
• Violating the code of conduct can lead to criminal penalties.
• Action will be taken against channels that fail to comply with regulations.