2 sports channels get notices for showing logos of betting outlets

ISLAMABAD: Show cause notices have been served on two private sports channels for displaying logos of illegal surrogate betting companies on their screen.

The Pakistan Television Cooperation (PTV) had on Thursday issued a letter to the chairman Pemra with the subject “Prohibition of Surrogate Companies”, saying that the sports channels disregarded Pemra directives by airing the content that promotes surrogate companies in clear violation of established regulations. The letter available with The News states: “The PTVC remains committed to following the state laws and refrains from broadcasting the content that endorses gambling. However, it is concerning to note that some competitors are disregarding Pemra directives by airing the content that promotes these surrogate companies, in violation of established regulations. A letter from the Ministry of Information (F.No.4 (26)/2023/P-III/TR dated September 27, 2024 includes evidence (screenshots) of these violations.”

As the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan series approaches (November-December), there are concerns regarding on-ground and perimeter board betting, along with surrogate branding during the matches.

Talking to The News, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Director General Tahir Sheikh said show cause notices had been issued to the sports channels for showing betting companies’ logos which were prohibited. “Since there is no mechanism with the Pemra to ascertain whether the hologram technology has been used or otherwise, the onus lies on the licensee to prove its innocence. If they are guilty, they will be penalised as per Pemra laws”, he said.

The sports channels placed betting companies’ logos which were not part of the original transmission covered by foreign sports channel. The same technique had been used last year until a local sports channels was shut down for a day and it had to remove the logo.