Private TV channel Policy next month
ISLAMABAD-The government will announce by early next month its private TV channel policy now being framed and finalized, said Information Secretary Khwaja Ejaz Sarwar.
“This policy will ensure total transparency in the licensing process,” said Mr Sarwar. He denied that the government was framing a policy to fit the pre-selected operators.
Sources said that the proposed policy was being evolved so as to fit only three companies (Geo, Channel 3 and Qadardan TV).
Khwaja Sarwar said the policy would offer a level playing field to all the parties intending to set up TV channels in the private sector. “We have received applications from Dawn, Nawa-i-Waqt and Business Recorder as well, seeking permission to set up their own TV channels and they will be allowed as much opportunity as any other applicant to do so.”
Discussing some of the qualifying criteria for the private operators, he said the successful parties would be financially sound, possess the right professional experience and acumen of the medium and the right kind of professionals.
It has been learnt that Asiasat, which is available to PTV World and the Geo, suited Pakistan’s business, entertainment and foreign policy needs the most as all the subcontinental channels are also broadcast through the Asiasat transponders. Thaicom, which has been hired by Channel 3, is being extensively used by channels broadcasting their programmes in non-subcontinental languages.
Source: Dawn
Date:2/23/2000
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