Pakistan

'New media code of conduct before June'

Information Minister says government trying to formulate new policy, give it legal cover before June.

Express March 31, 2011

ISLAMABAD: A new media policy is being formulated and efforts are underway to give it a legal cover before June this year, stated Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Thursday.

Speaking during question hour in Senate, Awan said that members of both the parliamentary committees on information and broadcasting, representative of media, civil society and all stakeholders would be taken on board for their inputs on the new policy.

She said that the new policy would help ensure the supremacy of national interests by the media and further improve image of the country across the globe.

Awan said that TV channels were not following the current code of conduct and stressed that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) needed to be strengthened.

"Everywhere in the world a regulator functions independently but in Pakistan they have been put under the ministries. We have to make PEMRA an autonomous body so that it could take action against any violators without making sense that the government is behind it,” she said.

The information minister also stated that all channels were bound to submit five per cent of their gross income to the national exchequer and no payments were being made, and that the non-payment was causing a loss of billions to the exchequer.

The government has so far received 2,445 complaints against media.

COMMENTS (3)

The Patriot | 13 years ago | Reply Only media policy will give a better picture of Pakistan to the world ??? how about corruption , how about nepotism , how about the loot and plunder going on in every dept of government .....PPP's vision is give every thing to BHUTTO's and run this country on sham democracy and say SAB ACHA HAI......shame on you PPP and shame on Bhuttos for ruining this lovely country ......we are JINXED with this name .....

Silent Spectator | 13 years ago | Reply Media code of conduct or censorship of the press? The PPP, unable to control its lust for corruption, wants to silence the media from highlighting its tales of massive corruption. Shame on the 'Awami' government for trying to restrict the media. Hate Musharraf all you want, but give him due credit for allowing media growth. He was no saint either and had several run-ins with the media himself. Nonetheless, he helped create this vast media network in Pakistan. The PPP should listen to the people of Pakistan and refrain from any steps aimed at controlling the media.

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Ain | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistnai media is crossing the cultural limits. Being an Islamic state what they are broadcasting is totally in contrast to the values of an Islamic country. Why do they promote Indian programs on their channels? Isn't there enough talent in our country? Moreover, they are promoting a completely negative image of the country around the world. Other countries' news broadcasting channels are not only emphasizing on the negative aspects and shortcoming of their countries but also promoting their values, culture, integrity and respect they give to it. Why go far, just watch Indian channles. Isn't there corruption, violence, poverty in India!!! Of course it is, but they concentrate more over the image of their country. It really plays a vital role in the progress of any country. Our news channels are always busy to highlight the all types of negativity in the society. It just discourages every citizen to move ahead or think positive. There really needs to be strong measures taken to control it.

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