Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority orders shutdown the transmission of Music TV channel
Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has ordered the shut down the transmission of AAG TV, a private music TV channel, belonging to Independent Media Corporation, owner of the Jang Group of Newspapers, on April 08, 2011.
PEMRA said in a public notice issued on April 11, 2011 that after Geo Super shut down its transmission on its own, the media group started transmitting Indian Premier League (IPL) Cricket matches from India on AAG TV. This was not permissible under the law as AAG TV is allowed to telecast entertainment and music programmes only and no sport events. Since it was a violation of terms and conditions of the licence, (PEMRA) shutdown the transmission of AAG TV.
However, according to the Jang Media Group,the shutdown of AAG TV was the continuing government campaign against the Jang Group. The media group had announced recently that it would screen IPL Cricket matches on AAG TV because Geo Super had been closed. The media group said PEMRA was following instructions by the government to financially damage the Jang Group so that its freedom of speech could be curtailed and the group could be blackmailed into submission.
On April 4, 2011, Geo Super said it had been ordered by PEMRA to stop transmission. Acting Chairman PEMRA Dr Abdul Jabbar refuted this assertion as ‘baseless’. He said Geo Super is a Dubai-based channel with permission to uplink from Dubai. He said no closure orders were issued by PEMRA and Geo Super can continue its routine transmission under the landing rights permission which is still valid and there is no restriction on Geo Super in this regards.
The Bahawalpur Union of Journalists (BhUJ), cricket, hockey and other sports organisations on April 10 staged a protest rally against the closure of Geo Super.The protesters condemned the closure of Geo Super and chanted slogans against the PEMRA. They demanded an immediate restoration of Geo Super and termed its closure an attack on freedom of the press.The District Union of Journalists Okarahas termed the ban on Geo Super and AAG TV channels illegal. Landikotal Press Club, in a joint press conference, political leaders and tribal journalists termed the ban unjust.
Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Date:4/11/2011
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