SAFMA calls for changes to PEMRA Ordinance
KARACHI (APP), June 20 2006 – There is a need for the creation of state-of-the-art media training centres and mass communication institutions for the specialised training and education of media persons. This was stressed in what was termed as “Karachi Declaration” issued here after the conclusion of the SAFMA National Conference.
The three-day moot was held under the auspices of the South Asian Free Media Association. The declaration says that the media persons from both print and electronic media in Pakistan, having discussed issues pertaining to the electronic media, in particular, and the problems related to a free press, in general, on June 18, at Karachi, have evolved understanding on the issues that are of great concern to media persons and the peoples of Pakistan and the future of democracy the country.
Recalling the principles inspiring SAFMA’s various declarations and SAFMA Pakistan’s National Conference-I and II resolutions and other statements reiterating commitment to a free and vibrant media in Pakistan, fundamental rights and undiluted democracy, on the one hand, and peace, friendship and cooperation in the region, on the other hand it was stressed that during news gathering, such as in breaking news of a terrorist incident or some other extraordinary development that has the potential of horrible consequences, care must be taken to promptly get the reaction of the other side without jumping on the conclusion or being judgmental. Similarly, in talk shows, special care must be taken in providing appropriate representation to the diverse views and anyone being discussed should be heard and given proper space and representation.
A dispassionate debate regarding interstate relations and issues of security must ensure representation of all viewpoints and must be inclusive. On gender issues and woman and children related stories and programmes special care must be taken in treating, analysing and portraying of programmes. The media practitioners involved in programming should unlearn their male chauvinist and patriarchical biases and re-learn to write, shoot and edit to positively portray women’s image and respect their femininity and authenticity as equal human beings. For that to happen media organisations should have gender sections to scrutinise all programmes and train and reorient their staff.
SAFMA will form sub-committees in Pakistan to develop modules for media training on gender sensitisation. Positive stories of women leadership and participation in every walk of life should be encouraged to create as better image and enhanced participation of women in every day life. There is an urgent need to change the PEMRA Ordinance on line as proposed by the SAFMA National Conference-II and create an autonomous regulatory authority to monitor and scrutinise the electronic media productions without, in any way, allowing the emergence of monopolies, government control and to protect citizens’ rights and public interests.
In this regard, SAFMA Pakistan welcomes the establishment of South Asia Press Commissions in the member countries of SAARC to monitor the violations of media freedom, attacks on journalists and to audit both print and electronic media. SAFMA Pakistan in consultation with all media bodies will form South Asian Press Commission in Pakistan. The electronic media in both public and private sectors must be treated on an equal basis and on similar yardsticks while making media under government control as true representatives of public interest with public service as their prime objective.
All obstructions and restrictions in the way of the growth of a free electronic media may be immediately lifted in the interest of freedom of expression and radio and community television networks may be encouraged for free flow of information, education and entertainment of the people and to ensure transparency, accountability, empowerment of the people and good governance. For specialised training and education of media persons and fresh graduates, both media industry and the government should create state of the art media training centres and mass communication institutions capable of producing human resource that is equal to the task. In this regard, the Conference welcomed SAFMA’s plan to establish a South Asian Media University at Lahore that is to have a South Asian faculty and students.
All restriction on access to and free flow of information and free movement of journalists and media products across the South Asian region must be lifted forthwith. In this regard the Conference fully endorses SAFMA’s Protocols on “Access to and Free Flow of and Free Movement of Media Persons Across the South Asian Region” and “Proposed Freedom of Information Law”. The participants demanded an end to the intimidation of journalists and all kinds of pressures on media and the urgent need to amend all media laws as proposed by SAFMA National Conference-II. They welcomed the announcement of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz for a judicial commission of inquiry into the murder of Hayatullah Khan, a tribal journalist. They demanded arrest of the killers of Munir Sangi, Cameraman of KTN. SAFMA announced Rs 100,000 for the bereaved families of the two journalists.
Source: The News
Date:6/20/2006
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