Abb Tak, 24 News and Capital TV forced off air
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 8 July 2019
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Abb Tak, 24 News, and Capital TV were forced off the air on Monday after reportedly succumbing to pressure from the media regulator PEMRA. The channels' coverage of Maryam Nawaz's presser and rally led to condemnation from the Electronic Media Reporters Association.Summary
ISLAMABAD — Three television news channels — Abb Tak, 24 News, and Capital — were forced off the air on Monday, drawing condemnation from a journalist union.
Regulator PEMRA reportedly pressured the cable operators to block the three channels. The reason for this punishment is said to be their broadcast of Maryam Nawaz's recent presser and the extended coverage of her rally on Sunday.
The Electronic Media Reporters Association (EMRA) condemned the closure and called for unblocking the channels.
The association’s President Asif Butt and Secretary Saleem Shaikh said they rejected the PTI government’s anti-media policies and warned of a countrywide strike.
Najam Sethi, who appears on 24 News as an analyst tweeted that the orders to block the channels reportedly came from PEMRA.
Reportedly upon orders from PEMRA, our Channel 24 is being taken off air across the country by cable operators. So too Abtak and Capital TV. Reason: Coverage of Maryam Nawaz presser and jalsa last three days.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) July 8, 2019
Key Points
- Abb Tak, 24 News, and Capital TV taken off air by cable operators.
- PEMRA enforced the ban over coverage of Maryam Nawaz's rally.
- EMRA condemned the action and called for unblocking the channels.
- A potential countrywide strike by journalists has been warned.
- Najam Sethi confirmed the orders via social media.
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