Interaction with stakeholders, business, media and government entities
In addition to interacting with the stakeholders with commercial business relations with the media sector and Government entities, the Commission also as recorded in Part-One of its Report, met with several representatives of groups, organizations and institutions from civil society with an interest in media issues as also with representatives of working journalists, audience-measurement agencies […]
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Prevention of independent scrutiny of print and electronic media
Cross-media ownership prevents independent scrutiny by print media of the content, standards and policies of the electronic media owned by the same group. And vice versa while this is not a conventional “corrupt practice”, cross-media ownership deprives citizens from access to independent evaluation of the content of various media.
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Vital and essential role of state-owned electronic media
Thus, to recap: One view about TOR No. C is that, “Yes”, that the government and its instrumentalities have a valid right and role to be major players in electronic media and that this presence is entirely consistent with the fundamental right under Article 19 which it does not contradict in any way. From this […]
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Directions that should be made to PEMRA
PEMRA should be directed to formulate a fair, transparent policy to issue licenses on a non-auction basis, without applying a commercial approach, for community-based electronic media. PEMRA should be directed to revise its discriminatory exclusion of NGOs registered as social welfare associations, societies, trusts, not-for-profit joint-stock companies from being eligible applicants for community-based electronic media. […]
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Opinion of the Media Commission about Print and Electronic Media
The Commission is of the opinion that both print media and electronic media individually and through their representative bodies, as also advertisers need to conduct sober, self-critical introspection to review, reform and renew their respective roles and responsibilities. At the same time, both Federal and Provincial Legislatures, and Federal and Provincial Governments need to conduct […]
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The Four categories of Media
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 […]
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Negative facets of News Media
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 […]
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Allegations of media-related corruption in general
Allegations of media-related corruption in general as per the Commission’s formulation: 1. Bribes, inducements, perks, etc. to journalists and media personnel to obtain prominent or favorable coverage in media or to plant false or defamatory news against others. 2. Discriminatory, undue allocation of Government-controlled advertising to print media and electronic media. 3. Undue financial benefits […]
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