Govt to curtail PEMRA chairman’s powers

Islamabad: The federal government on Thursday has decided to make amendments to the electronic media laws including the curtailment of powers of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) chairman.

The federal government is going to change the media laws before the conclusion of its term. The National Assembly (NA) will be urged to approve an amendment bill that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting developed to change the rules governing electronic media.

Details indicate that the new revisions will restrict the chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority's powers. The PEMRA chairman would no longer have the authority to revoke the license of any TV channel following the law changes.

Additionally, adding a member to the PEMRA board was advised. A Council of Complaints will also be able to receive complaints from journalists and media professionals regarding unpaid salary and other problems.

According to further sources, media company owners will be required to pay all staff salaries and dues within 60 days of receiving them, and government advertisements won't be provided to such TV channels.

Furthermore, the new law will define the problems with false information and misinformation. The TV networks will be required to follow the code of conduct and stop broadcasting any sort of misinformation. In the event of infractions, the TV channels would be subject to an initial fine of Rs. 1 million and a maximum penalty of Rs. 100 million.

Disinformation is defined by the revised laws as news that cannot be confirmed. Disinformation also refers to news articles intended to harass or further one's political, financial, or personal interests. Disinformation also includes news stories that don't include the opposing party's viewpoint.

In addition, two-year complaint councils with a chairman and five members would be established in Islamabad and the provinces for media personnel. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), each with one person, will also be represented on the complaint council.

According to the new rules, the PEMRA chairman and two other members will send concerns to the relevant council, and a decision will be reached after consultations.