Rs1m fine on channel for violating Pemra code

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has imposed a fine of Rs1 million on M/s Central Media Pvt (Ltd) (Channel 24) for airing baseless and unverified news report about Inspector General of Police AD Khawaja.

Besides the fine (payable within 3 weeks), the channel is also directed to air apology on May 20, 2017 in the same manner and magnitude on the same time slot by specifically naming AD Khawaja, says a Pemra statement issued here.

Moreover, tickers/scroll pertaining to apology shall also be aired during the regular transmission of the channel. In case of non-compliance, the Authority shall proceed for suspension/revocation of the licence under Section 30 of Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007.

On the complaint of the IGP Sindh, Pemra had issued a show cause notice to the channel on April 11, 2017 for airing unverified news against the complainant. The channel management was also directed to explain its position within seven days and appear for personal hearing on April 18, 2017.

However, on the request of the channel’s representative, the channel was given another date i.e. April 24, 2017 for personal hearing. On the said date, neither any authorised representative appeared on behalf of the channel nor a written reply was submitted in its defence while the complainant was represented by AIG Operations and CPO Karachi.

After hearing the representatives of the complainant and reviewing the relevant videos clips, the channel was found violating various clauses of Electronic Media Code.