Private channels to be free: Anwar | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Private channels to be free: Anwar

ISLAMABAD- Federal Secretary for Information and Media Development Syed Anwar Mahmood has said Radio and TV channels to be set up in the private sector will have complete freedom to express point of views on various issues.

In an interview with the World Service of Radio Pakistan, he said: “These channels will have to observe certain ethics and their programmes will have to be produced and broadcast keeping in view our cultural and Islamic values.”

He said the present government has given complete freedom to the Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television to air the point of view of all sections of the society and discuss issues of national importance. He said the government believes in the freedom of expression and leaders of political parties are giving their views without any restriction over Radio and Television.

To a question, Anwar said it is the endeavour of the government to keep overseas Pakistanis abreast with developments taking place in Pakistan. To another question, he said the chairman and members of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority would soon be nominated. This authority would be totally independent to grant licenses to Radio, TV channels and Cable TV operators in the private sector, he added.

He said there is a need of Radio and TV channels in the private sector keeping in view the tough competition in the international media in news, information and propaganda. He said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority will invite applications for the private sector channels and all Pakistanis anywhere in the world are eligible to apply. The Authority will be free to give license to those fulfilling the criteria, the secretary information added.

Source: The News
Date:2/8/2002