Licences of STV channels to be auctioned by PEMRA today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has organised a two-day auction event at its headquarters for open bidding of new licences of satellite television channels, ARY News reported on Thursday.

The auction will be continued till Friday (tomorrow) which is being participated by 187 companies where licences of 70 STV channels of seven categories including news current affairs, entertainment, health, sports and other will be sold out.

During the first round, 35 companies were pre-qualified for taking part in the auction for the licences of STV channels came under the category of news and current affairs. However, 21 companies took part while 14 organisation withdrew its participation in the sale bid round.

While addressing the ceremony, PEMRA chairman Mirza Saleem Baig said that the opening of a television channel creates employment for many people, whereas, the authority will release licences to 70 STV channels now.

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“I am hoping that this auction, which is being conducted today, will be transparent and successful,” said Baig. He added, “Currently, 88 TV channels and 227 radio channels are operative in Pakistan. Moreover, we have also released one Direct to Home (DTH) licence and eight Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) which would be operational soon.”

The PEMRA chairman clarified that the authority took major decisions after consultations with all stakeholders.

It is noteworthy to mention here that the media regulatory authority had approved the grant of licences to new satellite TV channels through open bidding on December 17 last year.

Moreover, The PEMRA Chairman Mirza Saleem Baig had reiterated for issuance of 76 licences to new television channel during an local event in Lahore.