Y MAJOR LAWS:
Ø Regulation:
· Time Delay Machines to edit inappropriate content.
· To check that there is no misuse by government power.
· To avoid copyright violations.[1]
· Advertisements should neither be noisy nor should they exceed reasonable duration. [2] (They also need to follow the code of conduct)
Ø Licensing:
· No one can broadcast without license, issued with exclusive rights by PEMRA.
· Firstly, Broadcasting stations have to submit the application form.
· Application forwarded to Interior Ministry and S.E.C.P. (Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan) to check the following criteria:[3]
i. Economic viability
ii. Technical competence
iii. Financial capability
iv. Credibility and track record
v. Extent of Pakistani share in ownership
vi. Features or market concepts
vii. Contribution to other social and economic development objectives
viii. Market advancement, such as improved service
· Finally, License issued by bidding process of the licensing fees.[4]
Ø Cross Media Ownership:
· Prevention of concentration of media ownership and exclusion of monopoly.
· Shall not exceed a total of four satellite TV, four FM Radio licenses and two landing rights permissions.[5]
· Landing Rights: If a Satellite TV channel is uplinked from abroad and the channel operator wants to distribute the channel in Pakistan, Landing Rights permission shall have to be obtained from PEMRA for its distribution on distribution networks in Pakistan.
Ø Code of Conduct:[6]
· No broadcast should be derogatory against any individual (neither children nor adults), religion or an ethnic group.
· Should not contain anything indecent or against cultural values, or Islamic values.
· No defamatory or false accusations.
· Should not promote anti-national or anti-state attitudes or criminals.
· Programmes should not be directed against the sanctity of home, family and marital harmony.
