Pemra hears 29 channels viewpoint on fake blast report

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Thursday conducted a hearing of 29 TV channels with regard to airing fake news of a blast in Gulberg, Lahore on February 23.

The TV channels through their representatives submitted their replies to the show cause notices.  It may be mentioned here that following a blast in Defence, Lahore on February 23, the fake news of blast created panic among the people. 

The Pemra received a large number of complaints from the viewers who demanded action against the TV channels which had aired the fake news. During the personal hearing held at the Pemra headquarters, majority of representatives from TV channels admitted they had simply picked the story from other channels including the state run PTV and did not bother to double check before airing news.

However, the authority will today (Friday) present the TV channels replies along with the recommendations of hearing committee for an appropriate action.