ISLAMABAD: In an unexpected exercise of its powers, the Pakistan Elec­tronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has taken notice of the airing of an ‘abusive’ word used by the ISPR director general during his live press conference on Wednesday evening.

The electronic media regulator issued on Thursday an advice to all news channels, asking them to install a time-delay mechanism at their production control rooms or master control rooms to avoid broadcast of such audio and visual material which viewers find offensive and also cause violation of Pemra laws.

“Pemra has been reminding all TV channels of it on a daily basis and such incidents could be avoided if the channels have such system in place and operation,” said a Pemra official.

The regulator’s advice said: “Last night, on Jan 20, 2016, again due to the non-installation of time-delay mechanism, all TV channels at around 9:05pm, let a word go on air during ISPR DG’s live press conference which was inappropriate and could have been avoided.”

Pemra asked all TV channels to install the time-delay mechanism as soon as possible and said it was determined to implement the law across the board without “fear or favour”.

“As a media stakeholder repeated appeals are being made to meet a legal and professional requirement in a cordial manner,” the advice said, adding: “Failure on part of the TV channels to adhere to law will compel Pemra to take further action.”

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...