City
Epaper

Pak anchors barred from offering opinions in talk shows

By IANS | Updated: October 28, 2019 14:20 IST

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has barred television anchors from giving their "opinions" during talk shows and limited their role to "moderator", a media report said on Monday.

Open in App

In a directive issued to all satellite TV channel licencees, the electronic media watchdog also directed the anchors "not to appear as experts" in talk shows in their own or other channels, Dawn news said in the report.

Media houses have been advised to select the guests in talk shows with utmost care and keeping in view of their knowledge and expertise in a particular subject.

"Participants/invitees should be selected with due care having credibility as fair and unbiased analysts with requisite knowledge/expertise on the subject matter. As per Pemra code of conduct, the role of anchors is to moderate the programmes in an objective, unbiased and impartial manner, excluding themselves from their personal opinions, biases and judgements on any issue.

"Therefore, anchors hosting exclusive regular shows should not appear in talk shows whether own or other channels as subject matter expert," said the directive.

It said the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had in an October 26 order in the matter of PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif versus the state taken cognisance of various speculative TV talk shows whereby anchorpersons, in violation of the code of conduct, tried to malign the judiciary and its decision with mala fide intension

Pemra said the IHC had also noticed that some anchorpersons/journalists held speculative discussions on October 25 on some TV channels and alleged a purported deal with regard to the bail granted to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

"This was believed to be an attempt to tarnish the image and integrity of honourable superior courts and to make their judgement controversial," it added.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: PemraShahbaz SharifNawaz SharifIHC
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalWatch: India Rebukes Pakistan After Sharif's Speech at UNGA: "Cross-Border Terrorism Will Invite Consequences"

InternationalPM Modi Responds to Nawaz Sharif’s Congratulatory Post, Says “People of India Have Always Stood for Peace”

InternationalPakistan's Former PM Nawaz Sharif Admits to Violating 1999 Agreement with India

InternationalThe lion’s roar is yet to come!

InternationalPakistan General Elections 2024: Polarization, Violence and Dire Challenges Ahead

International Realted Stories

InternationalUK PM Keir Starmer calls PM Modi, strongly condemns "barbaric terror attack"

InternationalChinese investments in Thailand under scrutiny after building collapse

InternationalNepal Medical Association announces boycott of non-emergency medical services

InternationalPoGB: Raja Abid condemns education system in PoGB, demands immediate reforms

InternationalBaloch Yakjehti Committee calls for mass protests across Balochistan