PEMRA bans live coverage of terror attacks

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Wednesday directed satellite television channels to refrain from broadcasting or providing live coverage of explosions, blasts, firing and terrorist attacks, warning that violations would invite legal action.

In a notification issued on October 13, the regulator reiterated its prohibition order dated February 20, 2023, directing news, current affairs and regional-language channels to refrain from broadcasting, rebroadcasting or providing live coverage of such incidents.

"All satellite TV channel licensees are once again hereby directed to refrain from broadcast, re-broadcast and live coverage of any unfortunate/unpleasant incident such as explosion, blast, firing, terrorist attack etc," the notification read.

"Satellite TV channels must broadcast only such verified information, warranted by the concerned department/law enforcement agency," it added.

The notification also directed channels to "effectively use time delay mechanism" and ensure the constitution of an independent editorial board in accordance with PEMRA laws, a Supreme Court judgment in suo motu case No 28 of 2018, and an Islamabad High Court order issued on September 5, 2022.

The regulator warned that violations would invite legal action under Sections 29A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002, as amended.