No more live phone talks on Pak TV: PEMRA

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued another warning to satellite television channels, directing them not to air live telephone talks, which can contain baseless propaganda against Pakistan and incite people for violence.

Islamabad, Dec 12 : The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued another warning to satellite television channels, directing them not to air live telephone talks, which can contain baseless propaganda against Pakistan and incite people for violence.

In a one-page notification, PEMRA said that despite several warnings, some satellite television channels were continuing to air live coverage and were taking live telephone calls from the public, which could incite people to violence.

It said this was a gross violation of the PEMRA Ordinance and the Code of Conduct for Media Broadcasters.

According to the amended PEMRA Ordinance, the live coverage of incidents of violence and conflicts cannot be broadcast, The Daily Times reported.

A licence holder must ensure that nothing is broadcast that violates the Ordinance, and for this purpose, should install time-delay equipments within its system to prevent any such violation.

The notification reminded the channels that any violator of a media licence, or anyone who abets violation of any provision of the ordinance, would be punishable with imprisonment that may extend up to three years, or be fined up to Rs 10 million, or be subject to both.

Any distribution service licensee or its representative who violates or abets violation of any provision of the ordinance will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to one year, or be fined up to Rs five million, or be subject to both.

ANI