ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: Information and Media Development Secretary Syed Anwar Mehmood on Saturday announced the merger of Information Academy, Pakistan Television Academy and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Academy to make it an effective training centre under the banner of National Mass Communication Institution.

Presiding over the first meeting of the Electronic Media Advisory Council, he said the role of electronic media would be made more effective in line with the council’s guidelines. He said the council would evaluate performance of electronic media and suggest recommendations for their improvement. It will meet quarterly in the provincial capitals by rotation, he said.

He said the council would facilitate free flow of information and increase access of the people to mass media.

He emphasized the need for new channels, including English and Arabic ones, for Middle East, Europe and America.

He said the council would be expanded by giving representation to various segments of the society, including Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Cable Operators’ Association.—APP