Pemra imposes ban on 11 TV channels | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Pemra imposes ban on 11 TV channels

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), in its meeting held here on Friday approved the imposition of Rupees one million fine each on 11 TV channels.

Of these, 10 channels, Filmazia, Filmax, Film World, Silver Screen, Starlite, Ravi, Royal, Rohi, News-5 and Vibe TV were fined for airing illegal health related advertisements and a fine of one million rupees was imposed on Independent Media Corporation “Geo TV” for violating section 30 and rule 16 of Pemra laws which require prior approval of the authority for any change in the management.

These channels were served sufficient warnings/notices in past and were under observation. They were also provided reasonable opportunity to show cause and called to personal hearing; however, they failed to provide any satisfactory reply, for the said violations.

The authority while reviewing policy of foreign broadcast on local FM radios, decided that no foreign broadcast whatsoever would be permitted on FM radios as it is against the very spirit and scope of FM radio licences having mandate to promote local community, regional/local language, culture, art and education.

It also approved grant of two non-commercial FM radio licences, one each to Karakoram International University Gilgit Baltistan and Mohammad Ali Jinnah University aimed at imparting knowledge to students pursuing studies in the field of media/mass-communication.

It had earlier granted 28 non-commercial FM licences in addition to these two.

The Pemra decided to reduce security deposit for FM radio licencees from 10% to 3% of licence fee in order to provide maximum relief to investors. The authority further approved certain amendments in the bidding procedure for cable TV licencing to ensure open and fair competition.
Source: The News
Date:9/24/2011