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Friday, January 04, 2013
NA body recommends ban on airing foreign TV content* Calls for strictly monitoring of TV channels, cable operators by PEMRA
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on Thursday recommended the government ban airing of all foreign content in any language during prime time and take strict action against violators.
The committee meeting, held with Beelum Hasnain in the chair, was attended by its members, Information Secretary Rasheed Ahmed, PEMRA Chairman Abdul Jabbar, TV actors Qavi Khan, Laila Zuberi, Asif Raza Mir, Maria Wasti, Sameena Ahmed and others. After a thorough discussion on the new trend of airing foreign dramas dubbed in Urdu by local channels and its negative effects on local culture and younger generation, the committee recommended that if the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) rules allow airing of the foreign content then it should only be sub-titled in Urdu or English.
The committee suggested that PEMRA should strictly monitor the television channels and cable operators and take prompt action over violations. The committee said that the permitted 10 percent of foreign content should be in proportion with the local content. The committee said that foreign content was being misused by the television channels. The committee called for a review of the rules adversely affecting the local drama industry in view of the onslaught of the foreign dramas. It also sought a channel-wise list of rules and regulations along with the actions taken against them. The committee also suggested the government to ban all advertisements featuring foreign talent.
It asked PEMRA to ensure observance of code of conduct by all the channels and licensees, and keep a close eye on the foreign content on the channels. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Rashid Ahmed informed the committee that an amendment in the PEMRA law could only be made by parliament. He agreed with the proposals that foreign dramas were damaging local culture and should be banned. Pakistan Television (PTV) Managing Director Yusuf Baig Mirza apprised the committee that PTV’s dramas were still popular both inside the country and abroad.
Whereas, actor Qavi Khan said it was unfortunate that no steps had been taken to protect film and drama industry. Khan recalled that he had produced two films on national solidarity but they had not yet been aired owing to ‘vested interests’. Television personality Asif Raza Mir also urged for steps to protect the local industry. He said that foreign dramas should not be allowed in the country as they were not only harming the culture but also damaging the local industry.
Actor Maria Wasti said, “We are producing dramas keeping in view our social problems, which is why our dramas are popular among the masses.” Actor Laila Zubairi said that telecasting of foreign dramas should not be allowed as their actors were not paying any taxes to our national exchequer. staff report
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk