Pakistan
Regulatory body threatens independent TV stationPosted Apr 30 2007
On Tuesday April 24, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) sent a notice to privately owned Aaj TV threatening it with closure due to the station's coverage of a crisis resulting from the Supreme Court president's dismissal. The notice cites a supreme judicial council order that restricts coverage of the crisis and warns that if it does not amend its program content and the CEO does not appear in front of the PEMRA board within three days, the station's license could be withdrawn. PERMA also issued a general warning to all TV stations to keep their broadcasts in line with regulations. According to Reporters Without Boarders, one of Aaj TV's executives said the station would defend its editorial independence.