ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday conducted hearing of 29 TV channels with regard to airing false news of a bombing in Gulberg Lahore on February 23.
The TV channels through their representatives submitted their replies to the show-cause notice issued to them by PEMRA.
Following a bombing in DHA on February 23, fake news of another bombing in Gulberg created panic. PEMRA received complaints from the viewers who demanded action against the TV channels which had aired the fake news.
PEMRA had issued show-cause notices to these TV channels on the same day directing them to submit reply by March 2, 2017. Another personal hearing opportunity was given to the respondents. On Thursday, during the personal hearing held at the PEMRA headquarters, a majority of the representatives admitted they had simply picked the story from other channels, including the state-run PTV, and had not bothered to double check before airing it. The replies of the TV channels confirm the poor judgement on part of the TV channels and ‘once again’ expose the unprofessional, rating-driven attitude in the news rooms of the TV channels.
However, PEMRA is going to present the TV channels’ replies before the Authority meeting on Friday (today) along with the recommendations by the hearing committee for appropriate action.
