Government to free electronic media
ISLAMABAD- The adviser to the chief executive on information, Javed Jabbar, held out the government’s commitment to free electronic media, stating that a framework was being evolved to allow Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan to compete with private channels. “We shall not restrict freedom of expression. We are aware of the perils and evils of the control on media. There is an unprecedented freedom of the Press and there will be freedom of electronic media too,” he assured at a roundtable talk on “From censorship to the uncensorable: new dimensions of content control in media”.
The government, he said, was in the process of evolving a framework that will define a new set of values, allowing both the Pakistan Television and the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) to carry out internal as well as external reforms.
The advisor quashed the fears expressed by some Pakistan Television representatives vis-a-vis openness and fair field for the channel.
Referring to the introduction of a new television channel, he said: “One of the existing channels will be a news and current affairs medium with 24 hours telecast, and the Pakistan Television (PTV-1) will not only define its historic role as an electronic gazette of Pakistan but will also adapt the candid values of pluralism.”
He also referred to a new radio channel to be launched by the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC). More channels, he said, would end monopolies and bring new life to the media scenario. “That is evident from the recent great flourishing of newspapers in our country.
Source: Dawn
Date:4/4/2000
” 
” 
” 
” 
