PEMRA fines Channel 24, Aab Takk for defamatory content against AD Khawaja
Shares
ISLAMABAD: In a complaint filed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh, Allah Dino Khawaja, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Council of Complaints Sindh recommended to impose a fine of Rs 200,000 and Rs 300,000 on private television channels Abb Takk and Channel 24 respectively for airing baseless, defamatory and unverified allegations against the complainant.
Proceedings regarding the complaints filed by IGP Sindh against the news reporter, Zille-e-Haider on Channel 24 and Abb Takk programme Benaqab hosted by Saifan Khan were conducted by the council on February 8, and March 29, respectively.
Both the channels have also been directed to air an apology in 6 pm news bulletin to their viewers through a news anchor for airing the fake news against the IGP Sindh in the same manner and magnitude as the fake news was aired.
Abb Takk and Channel 24 have also been directed to ensure that text to the same effect is also scrolled/displayed repeatedly on the screens during 6 pm to 7 pm on the same day when the apology is aired.
PEMRA has also directed the channels to deploy and properly utilize time delay mechanism and constitute an In-House Editorial Committee to ensure compliance of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.
The channels have been warned that in case of repeated violation of similar nature or non-compliance of the above decision, the authority shall proceed against the channels for revocation of license under Section 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007. (APP)
