Implementation of Electronic Media code of Conduct 2015 by PEMRA

1. Media Ethics
Implementation of
Electronic Media Code
of Conduct by PEMRA

2. Presented By
•Asad Rizwan Ranjha(27)
•Junaid Mustafa Virk(42)
•Mian Muhammad Bilal(12)

3. Introduction
 An objective analyses of Measures
Taken by PEMRA for the
implementation of Electronic Media
Code of Conduct 2015 and its
effectiveness in context of Pakistani
Media industry.

4. PEMRA
 Pakistan Electronic Media RegulatoryAuthority
 Established in 2002
 Responsible for licensing and Regulation of TV and Radio
Channels
 Acts as a watchdog for the content aired on Electronic Media
Platforms
 Only Platform available for public to complain against
channels
 Main stakeholder in the enforcement of ethical code of
conduct
 Currently Chaired byAbsarAlam

5. Code of Conduct
 Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015
 Released on 20 August 2015
 Issued by Collaboration of PEMRA and Information
Ministry on the directives of Supreme Court
 Endorsed and ratified by PBA and Journalist
organisations
 Very thorough and detailed covering all aspects of
ethical code of conduct
 Termed as a “Milestone”
 Implementation, main issue

6. Role of PEMRA
 Sole responsible authority for the implementation of
code of conduct 2015
 Headless organisation without any independent
authority in the past
 Used by Government to silence the dissent
 Formulation of National Action Plan
 PEMRA given the role to curb hate speech on air
 Given the task to regulate content aired through TV
programs and ads
 Acts through Warnings,Notices and advices to
Channels

7. Notices
 PEMRA has become a proactive organisation since
the arrival of New chairman Absaar Alam
 Since December 1, There has been 43 notices issued
by PEMRA to different TV channels warning them
against the violation of Ethical code of conduct
 PEMRA also issues show cause notices to media
houses for such violations
 One such Notice issued to Dunya TV about a caller
using abusive language against judiciary
 Another one was about a defamatory and sensational
breaking news about PTI chief Imran khan


8. Advices
 PEMRA routinely issues advices for media house
owners, producers and editors on how to handle
sensitive issue
 One advice was related to reporting and coverage of
incidents of terrorism and religious intolerance
 Another one urged caution while discussing Mina
tragedy and role of Saudi Arabia
 One advice recommended the editing of a cosmetics
ad and a mobile phone ad
 Among growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and
Iran, Pakistan media was cautioned against inciting
any sectarian conflict

9. Complaints
 PEMRA's Council of Complaints as a platform for the
public to file complaints against any type of violation of
ethical code of conduct
 It receives complaints from private persons, Law firms,
companies and even Government institutes
 One complaint filed by an individual was about
copyright violation of a video documentary
 NAB also file a complaint against a channel for
distorting its image in some cases
 Another complaint was related to airing of malicious
content against Punjab Police.

10. @reportpemra
@reportpemra is a Twitter account handle
created by PEMRA for easy access of public
to complain against any type of ethical
violation by Electronic Media. People can
also give their feedbacks about the Pemra
activities and guide it through this account.

11. Training
in a crash course arranged at its headquarters, PEMRA
imparted training to its officers on the enforcement and
monitoring staff on the newly issued code of conduct for
electronic media 2015.The training aimed at ensuring
effective implementation of the code of ethics.
Participants were briefed about the clauses of the new
code of conduct and made comparative analysis with the
previous one.

12. Implementation
 Coverage of MQM chief Altaf Hussain's speeches and
statements banned after his address against armed
forces of Pakistan
 License of Geo entertainment suspended for one
month and fined Rs. 10 mil over airing blasphemous
content on one of its shows
 Suspension of ARY News license and imposition of
fine for airing derogatory remarks against judiciary
 PEMRA's advice to TV channels to not give any air
time to terrorist groups.

13. Implementation
 Immoral and vulgar advertisement of a contraceptive
product banned
 On Jan 29, PEMRA's KP chapter banned ads by
quacks and hakeems on account of their unlicensed
and unscientfic treatment methods
 On Dec 23, The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory
Authority issued notices to the two channels for airing
abusive, indecent and derogatory remarks and
allegations banned under the Code of Conduct and
National Action Plan

14. Implementation
 On Jan 24, Pemra on the recommendations of the
Council imposed fine of Rs. 100,000 on ARY News for
not using time delay mechanism as a result derogatory
remarks aired during the live program.
 ARY News paid the fine and apologised for its
unethical behaviour on Feb 3
 PEMRA's council of complaints took action against
copyright violation of Mr. Shahnawaz Chachar's video
documentary by Samaa TV and recommended that a
suitable compensation be paid by Samaa TV to the
complainant.

15. Implementation
 On February 05, 2016 -PEMRA Council of Complaints
imposed fine on three channels for non-appearance.
The channels included Royal TV, Channel 24 and Din
News
 The Authority approved the fine of Rs 100,000 on
Royal TV, Rs 50,000 on Channel 24 and Rs 30,000
on Din News
 On Jan 30, PEMRA approved a fine of Rs1 million on
Samaa TV for airing a highly objectionable, indecent
and vulgar text message during its crime re-enactment
programme “Wardat” last year.

16. Conclusion
 Certainly not enough done by PEMRA
 More actions needed in this regard
 PEMRA needs to be completely freed from
Government control
 Most important: Journalists needs to practice self-
cesorship to ensure the existence of a responsible
press
 Need to be trained in this regard
 Factors affecting their practice must be removed
 Editor and News department must be free of any kind
of pressure by Marketing and sales

17. References
• Pemra.gov.pk
• Dawn.com
• Thenews.com
• Pakistanpressfoundation.org

18. Thank You
For Your Attention

19. Presented By
•Asad Rizwan Ranjha(27)
•Junaid Mustafa Virk(42)
•Mian Muhammad Bilal(12)