Geo436.com blog: No instructions to close transmission of channels: Pemra

Geo436 ISLAMABAD: The government has not issued any instructions either to Pemra or to cable TV operators for closure of any channel transmission or changing of position.

“Apropos press clipping appeared in a section of press with regards to closure and change in channel position of Geo TV on different cable TV networks across the country”, said a press release issued here on Monday.

It was alleged in the news story that on the instructions of the government, various cable TV operators have either closed the transmission of Geo TV channel or have placed it at later positions where the channel”s reception was not up to the mark and viewers were deprived of watching their favorite entertainment channel.

On the complaint of M/s. Independent Media Corporation Pvt. Ltd., Chairman, Pemra has personally spoken to the office bearers of various cable TV operators Association and has issued strict warnings to restore the transmission of satellite TV channel “Geo Entertainment” in accordance with the prescribed rules and policy.

Besides, legal notices have been served to all those cable TV operators who have been indulged in disturbing transmission of Geo Entertainment on October 10.

The Authority has already taken cognizance of this issue and has been taking strict measures to ensure distribution of all its licenced TV channels on cable TV networks without any obstruction.

Moreover, various meetings were held with all the stakeholders, regarding carriage and channel positioning on cable TV networks.

Pemra has utmost respect for all the orders of the Honorable Supreme Court and shall keep ensuring that the same are complied with in letter and spirit.

An important meeting on this issue was held on October 4, 2010, where all cable operators were instructed to ensure carriage and positioning of all major satellite TV channels at their rightful position in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court and not to disturb placement of any channel till the finalization of carriage and placement policy of channels after consultation with all stakeholders.

A consultation paper prepared on this particular issue and was also floated on the Authority”s website, soliciting comments from all the stakeholders.

Furthermore, Pemra has also proposed a meeting of all stakeholders and a letter in this regard has been sent to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on October 7, 2010 for devising a mutually acceptable policy on carriage and placement of channels on distribution networks, so that blame game could be avoided in future.