With Ramadan just days away, people were curious if there would be any Ramadan transmission this year.
Now, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) says the show must go on, but with some rules in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
PEMRA is okay with Ramadan transmissions as long as there is no live audience in the studio sets. So we might be looking at a format like TV talk shows.
“All PEMRA licensees need to review format of their Ramadan transmission contrary to practices followed the previous years”
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We already knew there would be no Sehr and Iftar gathering this year with the global pandemic. PEMRA made it clear that even though it gave the green light for Ramadan transmissions, all broadcasts must follow government and WHO directives too.
“All licensees are obliged to follow those (Federal and Provincial governments) guidelines as well as PEMRA laws and ensure that all precautionary measures advised/directives of the Federal and Provincial governments and World Health Organization (WHO) with regard to epidemic disease are being followed.”
Further instructions include prohibiting more than one guest on set. TV networks have been instructed about not calling employees to work without providing safety kits and protective gear.
The media regulator was also mindful of economic losses due to the pandemic and banned lavish displays.
“No Display of gifts, bikes, cars, TV, etc as the current world of suffering from hunger, scarcity of resources, joblessness,”
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With all the misinformation and even hate that’s going around amid the global pandemic, good thing PEMRA also defined guidelines on appropriate language and content.
The last thing we need is people using Ramadan transmissions as a platform to preach how COVID-19 is Allah’s ‘azaab‘ because of non-believers, or something even more racist.
“Beliefs and practices of any faith are described accurately when discussed and interfaith harmony is promoted at all times”
There’s even an entire section dedicated to guidelines on hate speech.
PEMRA seems prepared this time. Let’s see if broadcasters stick to the guidelines this year.
