PEMRA Bans News Anchors From Personal Opinions During Talk Shows

PEMRA has barred TV News anchors from stating personal opinions on matters during talk shows, requesting them to limit their role to ‘moderators’ The notice was issued to those concerned over the weekend, with the authority also suggesting anchors hosting daily shows not to “appear as experts” in their own or other channels. Media houses have also been advised to choose their talk show guests with “utmost care” with attention to their knowledge and expertise in the particular topic. “Participants/invitees should be selected with due care having credibility as fair and unbiased analysts with requisite knowledge/expertise on the subject matter. As per Pemra code of conduct, the role of anchors is to moderate the programmes in an objective, unbiased and impartial manner, excluding themselves from their personal opinions, biases and judgements on any issue. Therefore, anchors hosting exclusive regular shows should not appear in talk shows whether own or other channels as subject matter expert,” said the directive. PEMRA has warned media houses that failure to comply with its directives/guidelines will force the authorities to take legal action under sections 27, 29, 30, and 33 of the PEMRA ordinance 2002. Read more from ProperGaanda: Pakistani Filmmaker Comes Out With #MeToo Story In Support Of Movement