After much critique and call to action online, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) finally took notice of scriptwriter Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar abuse on live television.
The incident took place on Neo News’ as KRQ hurled abuses at journalist Marvi Sirmed. PEMRA did what they could by sending a notice to Neo News regarding their talk show ‘Rabia Ehtisham Kay Sath‘.
Turns out the regulatory body can’t hold the hosts accountable.
“Such content runs up against the rules set by television regulatory authority, PEMRA, which can legally fine a licensee and suspend a show after what took place on Neo. The talk show host and guests are not, however, liable.”
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The body will now call in Neo News personnel for a hearing, following up with some reprimanding for their actions. This process can take around 15 days.
“The first step is to send the licencee a show-cause notice, …. Once this is done, we will call them in for a personal hearing then make recommendations.”
How and Why this is Neo’s Fault
Since PEMRA cannot regulate show hosts, they have to rely on the program management to make good editorial judgment. A PEMRA official told Samaa Digital that this incident is Neo News’ fault.
“Many programmes have been suspended because of poor editorial judgement, … TV channels need editorial committees but they ignore them or are not used effectively which is why we have these problems.”
As for the failure to censor, that is another mistake on Neo News’ part. Every news channel is supposed to have a time lag between recording and broadcast to ensure that profane or offensive content is filtered.
“All TV channels are supposed to have a time delay mechanism as this gives them a cushion to edit out/omit objectionable material.”
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If such outbursts go on for more than a minute, the producer is supposed to instruct the anchor to take a break. In Rabia Ehtisham’s case, everyone failed to fulfill this obligation.
“If the show is not under his/her control, they can go on a break to stop the guest. These are editorial lapses and these are binding in our code of conduct and ordinances,”
The possible punishment for this offense under Section 27 of the Pemra ordinance, is the suspension of a program.
Under Section 29, PEMRA can impose a fine up to a million rupees and under Section 30, the TV channel’s license can be suspended.
