JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 05, 2018 | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has fined 16 news channels Rs 1 million each for airing false news that the Lahore High Court had imposed a ban on the broadcast of speeches of Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz.
The channels penalized are Royal News, Din News, 92 News, Dunya, Channel 5, Aaj, Express News, Roze TV, Samaa TV, DawnNews, ARY News, Waqt, BOL, KTN, Koh-e-Noor, and Geo News.
Mashriq TV, however, escaped with a fine of Rs200,000 for only running a ticker.
All 17 channels were issued show-cause notices on April 19.
PEMRA has also directed the erring news organizations to air an apology during prime time on May 6. The regulatory authority emphasized the importance of responsible journalism and accurate reporting, stating that disseminating false information undermines public trust in the media. This move by PEMRA aims to ensure adherence to journalistic standards and prevent future recurrence of such incidents.
Additionally, PEMRA reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the media landscape in Pakistan, urging all media outlets to verify news reports thoroughly before broadcasting. The regulatory body warned that stricter penalties would be imposed for future violations.
August 17, 2024: A viral video exposes a shocking reality about Pakistani media, where fake news circulates unchecked. The clip, featuring a false report on the arrest of former IG of Jails, Shahid Saleem, highlights the pervasive issue of yellow journalism and raises questions about news credibility.
July 25, 2024: Dr. Omar Adil's sexist remarks against female journalists, including Gharidah Farooqi, have ignited widespread criticism, calling for full accountability and stronger actions against misogynistic language in the industry.
July 13, 2024: In a blatant display of media censorship, Suno TV blurred images of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on a scarf worn by PTI leader Zartaj Gul during a talk show. This incident adds to the growing list of censorship cases in Pakistani media, raising concerns about freedom of expression and media integrity.
July 11, 2024: The recent controversy in Punjab where actors and social media influencers were paid to praise the government's 100 days in office raises significant ethical concerns. Such paid promotions undermine the credibility of government achievements.
July 03, 2024: Journalist Umar Cheema retracts his criticism of a Samaa TV talk show, alleging the episode where public speaker Sahil Adeem and playwright Khalilur Rehman Qamar confronted a young woman was scripted and preplanned to boost ratings.
June 30, 2024: Journalist Umar Cheema condemns public speaker Sahil Adeem and playwright Khalil ur Rehman Qamar for their disrespectful behavior towards a woman on Samaa TV, sparking widespread public outrage and criticism of the TV channel’s administration.
October 10, 2023: After initially resisting, DawnNews TV airs an interview of missing PTI leader Sadaqat Ali Abbasi, sparking widespread condemnation and sadness. Senior journalists highlight ethical concerns over interviewing victims of enforced disappearances. The controversial airing raises serious questions about the integrity and freedom of journalism in Pakistan.
October 08, 2023: An awkward moment on A Sports talk show arises when a question about ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan goes unanswered. Host Fakhr-e-Alam reads the question without naming Khan, causing an uneasy silence from Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, Misbahul Haq, and Shoaib Malik. This incident underscores censorship issues in Pakistan.
October 12, 2024 A critical look at the increasing attacks on press freedom in Pakistan, from harassment of female journalists to violent assaults and unjust detentions. Despite condemnations, no action plan has been put in place to address these violations.
October 12, 2024 PFUJ strongly condemns adding journalists to NACTA's Schedule IV list, emphasizing that journalism is a profession and the fourth pillar of democracy, not a crime.
October 10, 2024 The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024 Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.