*ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) hasorganised a two-day auction event at its headquarters for open bidding ofnew licences of satellite television channels.*
The auction will be continued till Friday (tomorrow) which is beingparticipated by 187 companies where licences of 70 STV channels of sevencategories including news current affairs, entertainment, health, sportsand other will be sold out.
During the first round, 35 companies were pre-qualified for taking part inthe auction for the licences of STV channels came under the category ofnews and current affairs. However, 21 companies took part while 14organisation withdrew its participation in the sale bid round.
While addressing the ceremony, PEMRA chairman Mirza Saleem Baig said thatthe opening of a television channel creates employment for many people,whereas, the authority will release licences to 70 STV channels now.
“I am hoping that this auction, which is being conducted today, will betransparent and successful,” said Baig. He added, “Currently, 88 TVchannels and 227 radio channels are operative in Pakistan. Moreover, wehave also released one Direct to Home (DTH) licence and eight InternetProtocol Television (IPTV) which would be operational soon.”
The PEMRA chairman clarified that the authority took major decisions afterconsultations with all stakeholders.