August 18, 2013 - Pakistan Media Commission Review

The Four categories of Media

August 18, 2013

Print Media e.g. Newspapers and magazines with easy conditions of entry for publishers and editors, without differentiation between authentic, credible print media and on the other, a large number of “dummy publications”. Both types enjoy high levels of freedom of expression and in many instances also receive substantial benefits from Government-controlled advertising, irrespective of whether a newspaper is a genuine newspaper with a credible level of circulation or it is a merely token, ceremonial publication whose circulation may not exceed 100 or 500 copies a day but, because of corrupt practices, receives larger volumes of Government-controlled advertising. Electronic Media In

Negative facets of News Media

August 18, 2013

1. Lack of adequate, comprehensive training in print journalism and in broadcast journalism before persons are given the opportunity to become reporters, anchors, news readers, content controllers, etc. 2. Advertisers virtually dictate prime time content preferences by using a narrow, relatively non-representative, heavily urban and consumption oriented rating system to pressurize channels into cut-throat competition and to a lowering of standards of content. 3. Excessive commercialism e.g. advertising messages superimposed on screens during unrelated content, prolonged mid-breaks etc. 4. Along with the “breaking news” race, hysteria, hype and trivialization. 5. Promotion of acrimony, conflict, grievance. 6. Fragmentation of audiences due

Positive facets of News Media

August 18, 2013

1. In place of historic monopoly, a new range of choice for citizens, in news source-brands and in languages: Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Seraiki, Pushto. 2. Candid, robust debate on politics and current affairs in Pakistan on a daily basis. 3. Instant news coverage for 24-hours a day, seven days a week, followed by simultaneous, instant analysis and comment, for better or worse! 4. The introduction and development of new talent and skills, on screen and behind the scene. 5. Substantial capital investment, creation of new employment opportunities. 6. Wide range of subjects covered despite preoccupation with politics. 7. Access

General Observations by the Commission on TOR Nos. G, H & I

August 18, 2013

1. Interaction with stakeholders, business, media and government entities. 2. Comments are not identified by name in the Notes of Meetings. 3. Observations and recommendations made by representatives. 4. Media houses have been systematically discriminated. 5. Hostility against independent journalism and editorial policy. 6. Misuse of powers to control advertising and secret funds.

Recommendations by the Commission on TOR Nos. G, H & I:

August 18, 2013

26. The Commission recommends that aspects covered by TOR No. G be brought to the attention of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and the Standing Committees of the National Assembly and the Senate on Information & Broadcasting to recommend improvements in relevant policies and procedures so that the positive goals indicated in TOR No. G is achieved. 27. In order to conclusively establish the truth or the falsehood of allegations and accusations about corrupt practices in selection of advertising agencies and media for Government-controlled advertising and in view of the scale and frequency with which a particular advertising group

Findings and Observations on TOR Nos. G, H and I

August 18, 2013

(i) Does an official policy exist for the fair and equitable allocation of Government-controlled advertising to advertising agencies and media? (ii) If such a policy does exist, does the actual implementation of the policy suffer from concealed manipulation to favour particular advertising agencies and media? (iii) Is there scope for public money to be used arbitrarily (and, possibly also secretly) to favour particular channels, journalists or media houses? 2. With regard to the first question: the response is: “Yes” there does exist a set of written, defined procedures, criteria, documentation requirements and guidelines which, taken together, may be described as

Observations and Recommendations by the Commission regarding TOR No. C

August 18, 2013

Article 19 & 19 (A) of The Constitution of Pakistan 1. A response to this particular Term of Reference No. C. 2. Nevertheless, the Commission provides a brief comment on this TOR No. C as follows: 3. As stated in the section dealing with TOR No. A, the sheer variety and volume of Information in the second half of the 20th century and in the second decade of the 21St century have become so enormous that, even a large, unfettered private media sector cannot do justice to bringing all this information to the citizens of any State. 4. The advent

Recommendations by the Media Commission for the reform of PEMRA

August 18, 2013

Recommendations by the Commission on TOR No. B for the reform of Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA). 1. Recommendations of the aims expressed in the legislation and models of regulatory forums. 2. Formulation of policy for unfair impact of foreign content. 3. Concerns and complaints of stakeholders should be addressed. 4. Reforms required in policies and actions should be addressed. 5. Renewed efforts for hearings and disposal of cases dealings. 6. PBA, COA, PAS, AAP and PEMRA need to review policies and practices. 7. PEMRA should freeze the issuance of licenses for TV channels. 8. Actions to prevent the

Brief historical background of TOR No. B

August 18, 2013

Brief historical background: 1. Unlike privately-owned print media such as newspapers and magazines, electronic media such as Radio and TV commenced their existence in Pakistan in 1947, and in 1968 respectively, as State-owned entities, entirely subject to Government control. 2. This pattern was established by the colonial British government for all areas of South Asia in general and not only for those areas which eventually became part of an independent Pakistan. Due to its ability to transcend the requirement of print literacy, Radio broadcasting was viewed by the occupying British power as a powerful instrument to influence public opinion and,

Recommendations by the Commission regarding TOR No. A

August 18, 2013

The following Recommendations have been arrived at after the Findings, Observations and Summaries as recorded in the preceding text of this Section of the Report which deals with TOR No. A: 1. The Commission is of the view that the scope and the scale of information, the detail and speed with which information is generated and transmitted by words, images, signs and sounds, the revolutionary changes introduced by digital technology and other innovations, further enhances the importance of Information, for both society and State. 2. Converged a wide range of Media and Systems 3. The Commission is of the view

Summary by the Commission of arguments in favour of Perspective Three

August 18, 2013

Summary by the Commission of arguments in favour of Perspective Three i.e. the complete abolition of the Federal Ministry of Information and the Broadcasting and the Provincial Departments of Information. 1. That in the 21st century, the generation of information has become so exponential and the nature of media, broadcast media, print media, social media, cell phones etc. — has become so diverse and decentralized that it is beyond the capacity of a Government-run Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Provincial Departments of Information, to handle such a barrage of data and material and that the radically-changed relationship between

Summary by the Commission if arguments supporting Perspective Two

August 18, 2013

Summary by the Commission of arguments for Perspective Two i.e. that certain parts of the Federal Ministry of Information and the Provincial Departments of Information should be dismantled/abolished or reformed, and subsequently the Federal Ministry and the Provincial Departments of Information should continue to exist. 1. That the present status of the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) which certifies the number of copies sold by newspapers and magazines, thereby providing the basis for the allocation of Government-controlled advertising to such print media, should be changed from being an attached Department of the Federal Ministry of Information into the following alternative

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Unlicensed religious channels on, licensed Geo off: Javed Jabbar

Govt can terminate Pemra members for violating rules: Media Commission member

BHC’s CJ asks media not to spread gloom

An extensive list of proposals by the media commission

State-run TV urged to set example for private TV channels

Experts discuss pros and cons of media’s role in society

Day: August 18, 2013

Negative facets of News Media

Positive facets of News Media

General Observations by the Commission on TOR Nos. G, H & I

Recommendations by the Commission on TOR Nos. G, H & I:

Findings and Observations on TOR Nos. G, H and I

Observations and Recommendations by the Commission regarding TOR No. C

Recommendations by the Media Commission for the reform of PEMRA

Brief historical background of TOR No. B

Recommendations by the Commission regarding TOR No. A

Summary by the Commission of arguments in favour of Perspective Three

Summary by the Commission if arguments supporting Perspective Two

State-run TV urged to set example for private TV channels

Responsible journalism: Media needs an ombudsman to regulate controversial content says Jabbar

Code of Ethics – Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE)

State media were heavily lop-sided in favor of the Government

Ethical do’s and don’ts for media discussed

Participants of moot review recommendations of Media Commission

Misuse of powers to control advertising and secret funds

Hostility against independent journalism and editorial policy

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News about Media Commission

Experts discuss pros and cons of media’s role in society

Unlicensed religious channels on, licensed Geo off: Javed Jabbar

Govt can terminate Pemra members for violating rules: Media Commission member

BHC’s CJ asks media not to spread gloom

State-run TV urged to set example for private TV channels

Experts discuss pros and cons of media’s role in society

Responsible journalism: Media needs an ombudsman to regulate controversial content says Jabbar