Media Watchdog Cracks Down on Exclusive Political Interviews
Pakistan's media regulatory body, PEMRA, flexed its muscles today, issuing show-cause notices to four prominent news channels for violating election code of conduct. Geo News, ARY News, GNN, and Dawn News all found themselves in hot water after airing exclusive interviews with political party leaders.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), these exclusive interviews tilted the media playing field, potentially favoring certain candidates over others. ECP further argued that the interviews breached PEMRA regulations and their own code of conduct.
PEMRA has granted the accused channels seven days to respond and attend a personal hearing. Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe could lead to further punitive action, raising the stakes for these media outlets.
The regulatory body also issued a stern warning to all satellite news channels, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to the election code of conduct outlined in the Election Act 2017. This serves as a clear message to the entire media landscape, reminding them of their responsibility to maintain impartiality and ensure a level playing field during the upcoming elections.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between media freedom and fair election practices. While journalists strive to offer diverse perspectives, ensuring a balanced and unbiased approach remains crucial to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The coming days will be telling, as we witness how these news channels respond to the charges and how PEMRA chooses to proceed, setting a precedent for future election coverage.
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