Pemra suspends licences of two private TV channels

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulator Authority (Pemra) in its 109th meeting on Wednesday approved suspension of Royal TV licence for non-payment of fine and failing to air apology for telecasting highly vulgar and abusive remarks against a TV anchorperson in its talk shows dated November 25 and 26 2015.

The authority decided to suspend the licence and transmission of Royal TV till the compliance of its orders in letter and spirit. It may be mentioned that the Council of Complaints Lahore in its meeting dated January 11, 2016, had recommended imposition of Rs100,000 fine on Royal TV for using highly abusive language. The council had also recommended for suspension of Royal TV channel if it fails to pay fine within 15 days.  The recommendations of the Council were approved by the chairman being competent under delegated powers of Pemra.

Since the channel failed to comply with the said orders the licence of Royal TV was ordered to be suspended. The Authority has also approved suspension of Sohni Dharti channel’s licence for violating Pemra Laws and terms and conditions of its licence.

The channel is non-operational for almost two years without any reason or approval from the Authority in violation of Section 28 of Pemra Act and, despite they are provided repeated opportunities, the licensee failed to comply with the directives of the Authority.

Meanwhile the case of revocation of satellite TV licence of Rohi TV was referred back to the Council of Complaints for review. Other important decisions of the Pemra include approval of change in management of Urdu1 TV and Neo TV channels on their own request.

The Authority also approved the transfer of licence of Dawn News English from M/s Aurora Broadcasting Services (Pvt) Ltd to M/s City News Network (SMC Pvt) Ltd in the name of City 41.

To facilitate its licensees, Pemra also approved the simplification of cable TV licensing procedure by reducing the unnecessary documentation which was causing inordinate delay in award of cable licences.

Pemra Chairman Absar Alam, Secretary Ministry of Information Broadcasting Saba Mohsin Raza, FBR Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan and Member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ms Shaheen Habibullah were present in the meeting. Punjab Member Ms Nargis Nasir participated through video link from Dubai.