Pemra suspends circular
KARACHI (February 18 2008): Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Chairman Malik Mushtaq elaborated on his philosophy on working towards strengthening the media industry in Pakistan instead of using a policing approach. He stated it while welcoming the PBA Board of Directors in a meeting held here on Sunday, says a press release.
During the meeting, PBA Chairman Salman Iqbal invited the attention of the Pemra chief to the letter that the Association has sent them in response to the two circulars that were issued in the late hours of Saturday evening. He expressed his concern that when a consensus was formed on the ‘Code of Conduct for Election Coverage’ after a series of meetings with Pemra spread over a few weeks, why any overriding circulars were required at all.
Salman Iqbal reiterated the PBA demand that both these circulars should stand withdrawn in the true spirit of the agreement demonstrated in putting forth the Code of Conduct for Election Coverage.
Consequent to an exhaustive debate the Pemra chairman magnanimously agreed to suspend the later circular bearing Serial No 9000 in totality. It was agreed that broadcasters will exercise editorial responsibility regarding statements made by guests in talk shows.
However, in the earlier circular, bearing No 8997, the changes suggested by the PBA Board were accepted by Pemra. The clause 2, captioned Blackout/Media Silence Period was amended to read as in view thereof the advertisements pertaining to the political shall be banned from 0000 hours tonight on electronic media.
An agreement was also reached in the meeting that no host or anchor will suggest any estimation on the outcome of the election results in programmes aired before 6:00 pm on Election Day.-PR
Source: Business Recorder
Date:2/18/2008
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