Pemra holds seminar on future of FM radio in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pemra in collaboration with the BBC arranged one-day seminar on the topic of “Future of FM Radio in Pakistan” at its Headquarters Islamabad on Monday. A large number of stakeholders and panelists from private FM radios, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), advertising agencies, print and electronic media attended the seminar, says a press release.
Major emphasis of this seminar was to share views, experiences and knowledge of the panelists about the possible future of FM Radio in Pakistan in terms of legal & regulatory perspectives, investment opportunities and growth keeping in view the value for money.
Kamal Uddin Tipu, Acting Chairman Pemra in his welcome note pondered light on FM radio broadcasting sector in Pakistan. He said FM broadcasting is contributing positively in spreading education, information and entertainment at grass roots level and are consequently creating awareness in the society.
This was the third seminar that Pemra conducted on the subject of FM Radio during this year. The FM Radio sector, unfortunately remained a neglected sector in past and even on part of Pemra, no efforts were taken to bring the FM Radio stakeholders closer in order to sort out their problems and challenges. Major emphasis of last two workshops was to engage stakeholders to identify issues relating to the FM radio licensing e.g. tariff, renewal of licenses, operational issues and other hurdles being faced by FM radio licensees.
Other important aspect of the workshop was to create awareness about Pemra laws, regulations and code of conduct.
Panelists said that the world is now moving towards Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) and Satellite Radios, however, FM Radio is still one of the most important, economical and widely accessible broadcasting service that has tremendous impact on people and listeners.
Dusan Masic BBC Business Development Manager MENA & West Asia briefed about the significance of FM Radio broadcasting and highlighted the role of Pemra in providing platform to FM licensees to come closer and understand the FM radio sector in Pakistan.
The participants of the first panel that included Head Legal Pemra, Murtaza Solangi, Ex-DG PBC, Imran Bajwa, CEO FM 103 and Najib Ahmad, CEO Power 99 Islamabad thoroughly debated on the topic of “Radio Today & Tomorrow - Legal Issues”.
Ms Farah Naz Shahid from PBC, Mirza Muhammad Naeem, CEO, FM 105 Gujrat, Ms. Ayesha Jameel from ITP FM Islamabad and Kamran Khawaja FM 100 Islamabad then shed light on the very important topic “Radio Content - Serving the Audience”.
Last panel discussion was held on “Radio Advertising - Value for Money”. The participants, Fawad Hussein from Group M Advertising Agency, Mehdi Raza, Director Apna FM Karachi and Iftekhar Matloob (Research Consultant) shed light of the role of advertising and ratings in the Radio sector.