private electronic media in the beginning did break PTV’s hegemony and contributed to the growth of democratic culture. But soon it went berserk.

Either because of lack of experience or to earn ratings, TV reporters and anchors glorified terrorists. In a number of cases, real-time coverage of ongoing and sensitive security operations not only jeopardised lives of officials, but also exposed the vulnerability of otherwise highly-guarded institutions.

One wonders whether those responsible took any action of such glaring lapse by various TV channels. Non-state actors and political pygmies are also projected in a manner that suddenly turned them as monsters, challenging the writ of the government.

This unbridled and free-for-all media frenzy on screen is reflective of total mismanagement and lack of oversight on the part of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

Freedom we all love, but will the British government allow live coverage of harangues and tirades at Hyde Park? Naturally not because verbal excreta on screen is just as bad as a stinking rest-room.

As a first step with the help of the government, all private TV channels and PTV should be persuaded to agree to a code of conduct in line with the modern practices and our social and cultural values.

Unfortunately, at present there is a rat race; be it morning shows, cheap and nauseating infotainment or free-for-all, meaningless political talk shows.

Therefore, like the judiciary or the election commission, Pemra must also be independent of governmental clutches. The members and chairperson should be appointed by the leader of the house in consultation with the leader of the opposition for a fixed tenure. It is only then that Pemra would be able to come out of this near anarchic situation on screen.

Zia-ur-Rehman

Former GM, PTV

Published in Dawn March 1st , 2015

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