PEMRA issues notices to Dawn TV and News One for using derogatory language about judiciary and an individual

By Raza Ruman

The Pakistan Electronic Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued show cause notices and advices to Dawn News, Channel 24 & News One for using derogatory language against judiciary and an individual, respectively.

According to PEMRA, a show cause notice is issued to “Dawn News” for maligning the credibility and passing derogatory remarks against the Judiciary in its program “Do Rai” aired on 21-04-2018 by host of the programme Mr. Asad Raheem Khan. Similarly, another show cause notice is issued t o “Channel 24” for airing foul language and abusive comments in its program “Point of View with Dr. Danish” wherein, one of the participant Mr. Faisal Vawda used abusive and derogatory words against one of the participant of the programme. PEMRA has directed both the channels to show cause in writing as well as appear for personal hearing by May 2, 2018. In case of failure in submitting reply within stipulated time and non-appearance for personal hearing the Authority shall have the right to initiate ex-parte proceedings against the Channels

Moreover, an advice is issued to “Channel 24” to refrain from airing anti judiciary content as violation in this regard has been observed during program titled “DNA” on 18-04-2018 wherein anti-judiciary slogans chanted by the mob were aired. Similarly, an advice is issued to Channel “News One”for airing anti-judiciary remarks in its news bulletin on 20-04-2018. Both the channels are therefore advised to tighten up their editorial control and deploy time-delay mechanism in order to avoid any undesirable comments and remarks on their respective channels. Any violation in the matter is liable to strict legal action under Section 29 and 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007.
The electronic media needs to be more care in this regard. Pak Destiny

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