Islamabad, 15 Aug, 2023 (GNP): President Arif Alvi conveyed his unwavering support to media professionals and journalists regarding the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Amendment Bill of 2023 on Tuesday.
President Alvi shared his perspective during a meeting with a delegation representing the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), at Aiwan-e-Sadr today, sources said.
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Acknowledging the collective endeavors of the media community to introduce amendments to the PEMRA law, specifically aimed at safeguarding the rights of media personnel, the President emphasized the significance of linking government advertisements with the remuneration of electronic media staff. This linkage would contribute to addressing the challenges faced by media workers, he noted.
President Alvi engaged in a comprehensive dialogue with the visiting delegation, delving into various facets of the bill. He underscored that the amendment bill had made notable enhancement to the existing media law.
Furthermore, President Alvi urged the delegation members to actively engage in educating young individuals about counterfeit news and misinformation. He underscored that adolescents were particularly susceptible to the perils of false information and required guidance to comprehend its implications. The President emphasized the role of the media, particularly senior journalists, in forging stronger ties with academic institutions and universities to mentor and enlighten students about counterfeit news and the evolving landscape of journalism.
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In his discourse, President Alvi underscored the importance of nurturing a diversity of thought and perspectives by cultivating societal discourse and the open exchange of ideas. He accentuated the necessity of comprehending the dynamics of emerging media forms, notably social media. He added that the media bore a responsibility to educate the populace about ethical conduct and the responsible and constructive use of social media platforms.
The visiting delegation apprised the President about various provisions within the new bill designed to benefit the journalistic community and media personnel. The delegation conveyed gratitude to President Alvi for his steadfast support and genuine concern for addressing challenges faced by the media community.
