Airing false news lands 17 news channels in trouble

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 7 December 2018

Regulator PEMRA has taken action against 17 news channels for airing unverified news about a meeting involving Prime Minister Imran Khan. These channels are required to respond within seven days to avoid further repercussions.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Regulator PEMRA on Friday issued show-cause notices to 17 news channels for airing false news about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with Justice (Retd.) Javed Iqbal, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The erring channels are Geo, Dunya, Aaj, Express-News, Neo, 24 News, BOL, 7 News, Metro I, Hum News, ARY, Samaa, Public, 92 News, GNN, Channel 5, and K21.

PEMRA said that running a fake story violated its rules and the code of conduct.

The regulator said that if one channel aired breaking news, others follow and air it blindly, without verifying facts. It said that airing unverified news had become a routine.

All 17 channels are required to respond within seven days failing which action will be taken against them.

KEY POINTS:

• 17 news channels issued show-cause notices by PEMRA.
• False news pertained to a meeting between Imran Khan and NAB Chairman.
• Channels include Geo, Dunya, and ARY among others.
• Airing unverified news violates PEMRA's code of conduct.
• Channels must respond within seven days or face action.