ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the government has taken a policy decision that print media may be allowed to operate electronic media in the country.

The information minister in a statement said the government is going to make necessary amendments in the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002 in the next session of Parliament as the cabinet has already taken a decision on the matter.

He said Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) is going to convene a meeting of the authority shortly to make necessary proposals for amendments in the relevant provisions of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and PEMRA Rules, 2002 to reflect the decision of the cabinet whereby owners of newspapers/magazines/advertising agencies will be allowed to own and operate satellite TV channels in the country.

After the authority has finalized the proposal for amendments in the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002 the same will be taken up as part of the legislative business in the next session of the Parliament for promulgation, the minister added.

After the amendments are approved, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would notify in the gazette the sequential changes in the rules. Such changes will also make provisions to create a level playing field and prevent undue media coordination and unfair business practices.

In view of this development the next meeting of the authority is being held on May 7 which allow license to those applicants who fall under the category of cross media ownership. This approval will, however, be subject to the necessary amendments in the PEMRA Ordinance and Rules. The authority is also likely to allow the parties to proceed to make arrangements for launching of their satellite TV channels, which will come on air after the assent by the Parliament. The minister said he is taking all possible steps in the interest of development of electronic media in the country and to make Pakistan a regional player.
Source: The News
Date:4/20/2004