No ban on journalists appearing in TV talk shows as guests: PEMRA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said on Monday that the earlier directives were misinterpreted.

According to sources, the notification of PEMRA stopped TV anchors from appearing as a guests on other TV talk shows.

Also Read: PEMRA issue directives for television channel owners

However, according to latest notification, there is no ban imposed on the participation of journalists in other talk shows.

“There is no advisory to ban participation of journalists in talk shows. There is no restriction on appearance of any number of anchors to do long duration group marathon transmission on a special current issue on their channels while also taking other relevant guests where require/possible”, clarified the notification.

Sources also added that PEMRA mentioned it did not aim to limit freedom of speech.

Also Read: PTI leaders oppose PEMRA order, defend media anchors

The response from PEMRA came after senior leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) showed their full support to media and severely criticized PEMRA’s new advisory.

Earlier on Sunday, PEMRA released a notification where it instructed owners of channels to not let anyone use their platform to spread disinformation and to misguide the public.