SC calls for media credibility reforms

Urges media to develop self-accountability protocols

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court has called on media organizations to establish internal mechanisms for self-accountability, stating that such measures would enhance their credibility and effectiveness in exposing wrongdoing.

"If within the respective press/media organizations a mechanism for self-accountability is developed, it will improve their standing, credibility and resultantly become more effective in drawing attention to wrongdoing, and thus help in stemming it," said a five-page order authored by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa.

Justice Isa was leading a four-member bench which initiated contempt proceedings after some media channels aired a press conference by Senator Faisal Vawda and MNA Mustafa Kamal, during which the politicians made remarks against superior court judges.

While accepting the unconditional apology of the TV channels, the order noted that Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press but this right is not without limitations. The freedom of the press is subject to restrictions, including the preservation of decency and morality, it said.

"Another fundamental right is provided in Article 14 of the Constitution which requires that the dignity of man is to be ensured.

"The media is categorized as the fourth pillar of the state and an independent media broadcasting facts and the truth is essential for democratic rule as it highlights wrongdoing. However, its credibility and effectiveness is undermined when falsehoods are broadcast,"stated the order issued on Monday.

The court withdrew the show cause notices issued on May 17 in view of the TV channels' unconditional apology and their commitment to air corrective broadcasts. The apology, along with the contents of six corrective paragraphs, is to be broadcast during prime time, it added.