ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Tuesday reiterated the prohibition of broadcast or distribution of advertisements of surrogate companies of betting houses after Pakistan Television’s Sports channel, PTV Sports, announced it will discontinue airing the ongoing second Test match between Pakistan and Australia.
PTV Sports’ decision comes a week after the Information Ministry vowed zero tolerance against the surrogate companies of betting houses, urging stakeholders to prevent their promotion through any kind of advertisements during live coverage of sports events.
In a notification shared on X, formerly Twitter, PTV Sports wrote: “Pakistan Television (PTV Sports) adhering to the Government of Pakistan’s policy, ‘Zero tolerance for the surrogate Companies’ has discontinued airing the second Test match from Melbourne being played from December 26th, 2023 in lieu of the Pakistan vs Australia Cricket Series 2023-24.”
It further added that it took up the issue with the parent broadcaster and reported it to Pemra and other relevant stakeholders, seeking the removal of the “brand placements of on ground surrogate companies’ advertisements [virtual advertising].”
“The series will be telecast live once the matter is resolved. PTV as a state broadcaster is endeavouring to get the issue resolved to avoid future blackouts of such transmissions in the territory of Pakistan,” it added.
Pemra, in its prohibition order, warned all the licensees, including satellite television channels, radio stations, all landing rights permission holders and distribution network operators of legal proceedings under relevant provisions of Pemra laws in case of non-compliance and/or on repeated violation.
It said that the order was issued in continuity of its earlier letters “wherein office memorandum/advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Islamabad with regard to “Zero Tolerance for Surrogate Companies” were circulated among licensees for compliance”.
Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2023