BOL directed to air apology for spreading hate, revealing identity of serving army officer

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 6 October 2017

PEMRA has mandated BOL News to air an apology for hate speech against a serving army officer. The channel is criticized for disclosing his identity.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Electronic media regulator PEMRA Friday directed BOL News to air an apology to viewers for casting aspersion against a serving army officer in its program Aisay Nahi Chala Ga.

PEMRA said that in the program hate-based comments were aired on June 27 against an officer posted in a war zone and his name was also disclosed.

The regulator had served a show-cause notice on the channel in July, asking it to explain its position within seven days.

According to PEMRA, no BOL representative appeared for a hearing. Later, the channel requested adjournments on five different occasions, which were all accepted. On the final date of hearing on September 26, another adjournment was sought.

PEMRA said that upon this, the hearing committee agreed that BOL had nothing to offer in defense, and recommended initiating ex-parte proceedings.

Considering the recommendations of the hearing committee, the Authority directed BOL to air an apology within seven days in the same program and in the same manner and magnitude.

Photo: YouTube