PEMRA issues notices to Geo, Dunya for airing false news
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 13 October 2018
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PEMRA has taken action against Geo and Dunya Television for broadcasting false information regarding two ministers. The channels are required to provide evidence of their claims within two days or face penalties.Summary
ISLAMABAD – Electronic media regulator PEMRA has issued notices to Geo and Dunya Television channels for running false news against two ministers.
Geo aired news about the State Minister for Interior Shahryar Khan Afridi and alleged that he had abused his powers and state funds to have his official home decorated and upgraded.
PEMRA said that Geo also ran a ticker claiming that Prime Minister Imran Khan was not satisfied with Finance Minister Asad Umer’s performance.
Dunya News also aired the same false news about Interior Minister Afridi.
The regulator said that both channels broadcast one-sided news and did not bother to seek comment from the ministers. It said that this was a violation of its code of conduct.
Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has dismissed the news as false.
PEMRA has given the channels two days to come up with proof, failing which they will be required to air apology during prime time multiple times.
KEY POINTS:
- PEMRA issued notices to Geo and Dunya for false news.
- Geo accused State Minister Afridi of misusing funds.
- Both channels failed to get comments from the ministers.
- Federal Information Minister dismissed the news as false.
- Channels must air an apology if they fail to provide proof.
