Pemra working to strengthen media, says Mushtaq | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Pemra working to strengthen media, says Mushtaq

KARACHI: Pemra Chairman Malik Mushtaq elaborated on his philosophy on working towards strengthening the media industry in Pakistan instead of using a policing approach.

He said this while welcoming the PBA Board of Directors in a meeting held here Sunday. During the meeting, PBA Chairman Salman Iqbal drew attention of PEMRA chairman to the letter that the association had sent to them in response to the two circulars that were issued in the late hours of last 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 those overriding circulars were required.

Salman reiterated PBA demand that both these circulars should stand withdrawn in the true spirit of the agreement demonstrated in putting forth the Code of Conduct for Election Coverage.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 upon an exhaustive debate, PEMRA chairman magnanimously agreed to suspend the later circular bearing serial number 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 number 8997, the changes suggested by PBA Board of Directors 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 elections results in programs aired before 6:00 pm on Election Day.

Source: The News
Date:2/18/2008