Pemra directs all channels to strictly adhere to media ethics

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has directed all news and current affairs channels to strictly adhere to media ethics while reporting incidents related to violence, crime, sexual abuse, terrorism, abduction, natural disaster and so on.

The authority had already issued an advice on the same matter last month in which all news channels were requested to ensure strict compliance to the provisions of the Electronic Media (Prorgammes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015 and to specifically follow the provisions pertaining to violence, crime, sexual abuse, rape, terrorism, abduction and natural calamity, a press release said.

However, Pemra is in receipt of constant complaints from segments of the society particularly from the parents who complaint about unnecessary sensationalism by news channels.
It is being complained that the channels go overboard while reporting crimes which is akin to glorification of crime and criminals.

The authority again reminded the all satellite TV channels to avoid unnecessary hype and sensationalism while reporting crime, violence, sexual abuse, back to back broadcast of “Breaking News” on crimes, disclosure of identities of victims and criminals and avoid inclusion of such news in every bulletin.

All the licensees are requested to ensure strict compliance of Pemra laws as well as Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015. The authority warned for legal actions against violators.