PEMRA Fines Hum TV Rs. 1 Million Over Indecent Scenes in Drama
Posted by HAAMIZ AHMED
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has fined Hum TV Rs. 1 million for airing objectionable content on a drama serial. Hum TV broadcasted the episode called “Chew Gum” in the drama serial titled “Kitni Girhein Baqi Hein” on 29th January 2017.
The episode invited numerous complaints from the public, prompting the electronic media watchdog to take notice.
Show Cause Notice
PEMRA received numerous complaints from the general public about the content of the previously mentioned episode. The authority issued a show cause notice to M/s Eye Television Network (Pvt.) Ltd. (Hum TV) on 20th February 2017.
Case Hearing
Hum TV was asked to explain its position in 7 days. A personal hearing committee heard the representatives of the channel on 14th March and analyzed the reply sent by them (sent on 23rd February). It was unanimously decided after reviewing the objectionable clips of the episode that the content was in violation of Clauses 3(1)(a). 3(1)(e), 12 and 17 of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015.
Punishment
Due to violating the above mentioned clauses, Hum TV has been fined Rs. 1 million, which should be paid within 3 weeks of its issuance. PEMRA warned the channel to be vigilant about selecting the themes for its soaps and dramas. They should keep in mind the socio-cultural norms and values of Pakistan and keep in view the provisions of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015.
Furthermore the authority directed Hum TV to appoint an in-house committee under Section 20(f) of PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 and report the details to PEMRA within 3 weeks as well.
Previous Bans
Programs from Geo News and Bol News respectively were also banned by the regulatory authority on account of objectionable content and hate speech. “Geo Pakistan” and “Aisay Nahi Chalay Ga” was banned and host of the latter Dr. Amir Liaquat was ordered to apologize for hate speech.
The post PEMRA Fines Hum TV Rs. 1 Million Over Indecent Scenes in Drama appeared first on .
