ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has reiterated that sale of air time by the community based local FM Radio stations to foreign broadcasters is prohibited under the law and this regulatory provision has time and again been upheld by the courts of the country.

Elaborating the concept, the Pemra spokesman said in a press statement here Thursday that that a few FM Radio stations illegally sold their air time to foreign broadcasters, in 2004.

When notices were issued for closure of illegal foreign news services, Pemra was taken to court, where the case was adjudicated in favour of Pemra.

Accordingly in mid 2005, all illegal foreign broadcasts on FM Radio were stopped. International broadcast practices in the developed countries do not allow indigenous FM Radio stations to sell air time for international or national news.

This, by no means can be construed as a curb on the freedom of expression because Pemra welcomes every foreign broadcaster and has already permitted airing of many international broadcasters like CNN, Sky News, Fox News, BBC etc. In additional, a host of foreign channels have been granted landing right permission.

It is the considered view the world over that FM Radio stations are primarily meant for community programmes. It is also the considered view of the Authority that a uniform and even handed policy has to be put in place before any foreign news house is allowed to buy air time from an FM Radio.

Unfortunately, while discussions on this issue were in progress, a couple of FM Radio stations started unauthorized hourly BBC news service which had to be stopped.

So far Pemra has not granted permission to any FM Radio station to air foreign broadcasts. Pemra is examining the good practices in developed world and based on the principles of media freedom and reciprocity, will settle this issue is consultation with the stakeholders.

Pemra holds BBC in the highest esteem and has been endeavouring to facilitate and flourish all private broadcasters on a level playing field. However, nothing contravening the laws of the country and government policy can be allowed, the spokesman added.
Source: The News
Date:7/6/2007