PEMRA warns BOL News

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 13 December 2018

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has cautioned BOL News for airing sarcastic comments against a state minister. The remarks violate the PEMRA Code of Conduct, which mandates objectivity and respect in media programming.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has warned BOL News after it aired “unreasonable and sarcastic remarks” against the minister of state for communication and minister of state for postal services.

The remarks aired in the program Aisay Nahin Chalay Ga hosted by Dr. Fizza Akbar Khan (pictured).

“The remarks given by the host are not only humiliating but also against the PEMRA Code of Conduct 2015,” the regulator said.

It said that BOL News should be mindful of the fact that PEMRA has issued several pieces of advice and directives for ensuring objectivity in the programs, maintaining standards of language and upholding social and ethical values. “Unfortunately, the monitoring of the program shows abysmal editorial oversight of the content.”

BOL News was warned to be careful in future and directed to share details of its in-house monitoring committee within seven days, and also to deploy effective time delay mechanism.

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA warns BOL News for inappropriate remarks against a government minister.
• The comments aired disrespectful language, breaching the PEMRA Code of Conduct.
• BOL News must improve editorial oversight and share details of its monitoring committee.
• PEMRA issued prior directives for maintaining ethical standards in media.
• BOL News is directed to implement an effective time delay mechanism.