Crackdown on cable operators showing obscene TV channels soon: Pemra
ISLAMABAD- The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has decided to launch a country wide campaign against obscenity and pornography by Cable TV operators in violation of code of ethics of the Authority.
The Pemra spokesman said the Authority was receiving complaints from all over the country against various legal and illegal cable operators for providing some pornographic channels and programmes through their cable networks from time to time.
The Authority has taken a number of steps to control the propagation of obscenity and pornography by the cable operators, including about 1,000 licensed cable operators have been informed through letters to dawn upon them the importance of our cultural values, he said, adding all cable operators have been equivocally told that any such violation which amounts to obscenity and pornography will not be tolerated.
The Cable Operators Association of Pakistan assured the Authority of pursuing code of ethics chalked out by it and reached a consensus to abide by guidelines of the Authority in its complete spirit, said the spokesman, adding all cable representatives have given written assurance in this regard that they will make proper arrangements to check obscenity and pornography.
A list of channels, prepared in the light of public opinion, has been provided to every cable operator, he said.
Notices are issued to many cable TV operators who do not conform their programming to norms and guidelines of the Authority, he said, and added that undertaking on stamp papers is acquired where they declare that no violation will occur in future.
In one particular case, a cable operator of Rawalpindi was penalised with a fine of Rs 10,000, and he also submitted an affidavit avowing not to get indulged in such activity in future, the spokesman said.
He said the representatives of Channel Providers have also been instructed to communicate their principals that social sensitivities of the relevant region must be kept ahead while formulating any programming policies.
The Authority directed all cable operators to immediately stop the relaying of all channels that do not conform to our social, cultural and religious values, he said.
However, it has been regretfully observed that some cable operators are still showing objectionable programmes, the spokesman said, adding it is needless to say that the cable networks have contributed immensely towards creating an environment where people have been informed, educated, and entertained by quality programmes.
It is reiterated that no content, in any form, which amounts to pornography and obscenity, should be carried on the Cable TV Network.
It is a need of time that sincere and law-abiding cable operators must come forward and should not let a small minority stain the fair name of the industry, said the spokesman, adding those found violating this code will face action under the relevant provision of Pemra Ordinance as well as other relevant laws.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:4/25/2003
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