Code of ethics already provided to govt: PBA
RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) says it had sent an interim code of ethics to the government relating to coverage of terrorism acts on April 28, 2009 and is awaiting response to incorporate it in the self-regulatory code of ethics for the television media.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, Secretary General PBA Syed Sarfraz Hussain Shah said both the Ministry of Information and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) have confirmed receiving the said code and informed the PBA that the code has been forwarded to the Ministry of Law for comments and the authorities would shortly respond.
It may be recalled that Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira had met the PBA delegation on April 14, 2009 wherein it was decided that an interim code on terrorism be drafted at the earliest.
The PBA in response to the minister’s request sent an interim code within two weeks of the said meeting and is still awaiting a response. It is incorrect to say that the electronic media in Pakistan is not operating under any law or not conforming to any code of ethics. The PBA members are observing the laws of the land passed by the legislature as well as rules and regulations framed by the executive branch for implementation of these laws, said Shah.
He, however, pointed out that PBA has already expressed its opposition to some of the draconian laws framed by dictators to suppress the independence of the media. “Any unilateral attempt to muzzle the electronic media will be opposed,” warned the secretary general PBA.
Source: The News
Date:6/25/2009
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