SC seeks input from PEMRA on evolving rating mechanism

Bench order noted that PEMRA may consider creating its own set up to grant ratings

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought mechanism from Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) about granting of rating to private TV channels.

The three judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar heard the contempt case and asked PEMRA and other stakeholders to sit together to evolve a mechanism for giving fair rating to private TV channels.

The counsel, who was representing the private TV channel during the hearing, proposed to the bench that PEMRA should be given responsibility to grant rating to all TV channels.

The bench in its order also noted that PEMRA may consider creating its own set up to grant ratings to different channels/networks in its capacity in the interest of transparency, free and fair competition, removal of conflict of interest and providing a level playing field to all competitors.

The court referred the matter to PEMRA with a direction to give notice to all concerned parties, hear them and decide the question of validity of the agreement regarding the issuance of media rating in compliance of Articles 18 and 19 of the Constitution.