Pakistan bars TV anchors from voicing 'opinions'; can only moderate

Pakistan's electronic media regulator has barred television anchors from giving "opinions" during talk shows and has limited ir role of being a "moderator", a media report said on Monday. In an order issued on Sunday, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority also directed anchors hosting regular shows "t to appear as experts" in talk shows in ir own or or channels, Dawn newspaper reported.

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Pakistan bars TV anchors' from voicing opinions

As per PEMRA code of conduct, role of anchors is to moderate programmes in an objective, unbiased and impartial manner, excluding mselves from ir personal opinions, biases and judgements on any issue. 

"refore, anchors hosting exclusive regular shows should t appear in talk shows wher own or or channels as subject matter expert," report said citing order.

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regulatory body directed media houses to select guests in talk shows with utmost care and keeping in view of ir kwledge and expertise in a particular subject.  order, which was issued to all satellite TV channel licencees, comes following an order by Islamab High Court dated October 26 in matter of Shahbaz Sharif versus state taken cognisance of various speculative TV talk shows whereby anchors, in violation of code of conduct, tried to malign judiciary and its decision with mala fide intention, report said.

" court has sought a report of PEMRA's actions on such violations with reprimand," it ded. PEMRA said IHC also ticed that some anchors/journalists held speculative discussions on October 25 on some TV channels and alleged a purported deal with regard to bail granted to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on October 26."This was believed to be an attempt to tarnish im and integrity of hourable superior courts and to make ir judgement controversial, it ded.

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Nawaz Sharif's bail

Islamab High Court (IHC) on October 26 granted bail to Sharif in Al- Azizia corruption case till Tuesday in which he is serving a seven-year imprisonment. A day earlier, he h also secured bail in money laundering case from Lahore High Court. Bail has been granted in both cases on medical grounds. 

PEMRA warned media houses that n-compliance with its directives/guidelines and orders of Superior Court shall compel authority to initiate legal action under sections of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (amendment) Act, 2007.

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