PBA criticizes government for exerting financial pressure on media houses

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 18 March 2022

The Pakistan Broadcasters Association has criticized the government's financial interference with media outlets. The PBA highlights measures such as advertising bans and restrictions on official spokespersons.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has criticized the government for "controlling editorial content, freedom of speech and depriving the citizens of Pakistan of their right to know."

The PBA, in a statement, slammed the PTI government for exerting financial pressures on media organizations and creating hurdles in the way of execution of their professional duties.

Notably, the steps taken by the government included an advertising ban, issuing a series of show-cause notices through the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to numerous TV channels, according to PBA.

According to the PBA, the government has banned official spokespersons from appearing on specific channels.

PBA pointed out that other actions taken by the current government include imposing illegitimate claims amounting to billions of rupees on the channels under the illegal pretext of Gross Annual Revenue (GAR) dues.

KEY POINTS:

• PBA criticizes government's financial pressure on media houses.
• Government accused of controlling editorial content and freedom of speech.
• Advertising bans and show-cause notices issued to TV channels.
• Illegitimate claims on media channels under Gross Annual Revenue dues.
• Restrictions imposed on official spokespersons' media appearances.