PEMRA fines Hum TV Rs1mn for airing indecent content

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Friday fined Hum TV Rs 1 million for airing indecent content as on January 29, 2017, the Channel aired an episode "Chew Gum" in its drama series "Kitni Girhein Baqi Hein".

Consequently, on receipt of number of complaints from general public, a Show Cause Notice was issued to M/s Eye Television Network (Pvt.) Ltd. (Hum TV) on February 20, said a PEMRA's press release.

Through a Show Cause Notice, the licensee was asked to explain its position within seven (07) days.

The personal hearing committee on March 14, after hearing the representatives of the channel, reviewing the complaints, analyzing the written reply of the channel dated February 23 and reviewing the objectionable clips, unanimously agreed that the content was in violation of Clauses 3(1)(a), 3(1)(e), 12 and 17 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015.

Thus on account of airing of the episode "Chew Gum" in the drama serial "Kitni Girhein Baqi Hein" having indecent content, violative of Clauses 3(1)(a), 3(1)(e), 12 and 17 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, a fine of Rs 1,000,000 is imposed on the TV, payable within three weeks from the issuance of this decision.

The channel is also warned to be vigilant on selection of the theme of the dramas/soaps, keeping in view the provisions of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, socio-cultural norms and values of the country.

In order to avoid any violation of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015, the channel is directed to appoint in-house committee as mandated under Section 20(f) of PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, read with Regulation 8(5)(a) of PEMRA (Television Broadcast Operations) Regulations, 2012 and Clause 17 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, and provide details to PEMRA within three weeks."