Helping PBC through radio cess

THIS is apropos of the editorial ‘PBC in dire straits’ (Feb 26). Radio Pakistan was converted into the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation through an Act in 1973 to ensure effective operation and growth of broadcasting as a function-oriented public service medium, general improvement in the quality of programmes, speedy implementation of projects, and better utilisation of talent.

The other motive behind its conversion into the PBC was to remove the impression that it was a bloated government entity.

Being a non-commercial enterprise, it is the responsibility of the government to finance the PBC in such a manner as to bridge the gap between its income and expenditure.

The PBC claims to be the only channel in Pakistan which transmits programmes in almost all regional languages of the country. Moreover, it also broadcasts programmes in foreign languages through its external services and for the Pakistanis living abroad via world services.

It was the Nawaz government which abolished the radio licence fee (Broadcast Receivers Licence) which in those days was a sizable income source for the PBC. With the abolition of BRL fee, the PBC became fully dependent on government grant in-aid.

By doing so, the political government completely denied the major public service broadcasting system and its employees the right to present their views independently and receive proper funding for their programming.

The funding of public service broadcasting through licence fee or any appropriate means of revenue generation (rather than the only available source of annual allocations through grant-in-aid from the government budget) has a number of advantages.

It must be ensured that the overall revenue of public broadcasters (i.e. the actual radio cess revenue, plus any other income) constitutes “an appropriate and secure funding framework which guarantees public service broadcasters the means necessary
to accomplish their mission”.

The money actually needed to fulfil the public service mission, in all areas and in every respect, is, therefore, the starting point for calculating the amount of the radio cess.

Furthermore, there needs to be a mechanism in place which ensures that any loss of income due to any reason will automatically and fully be compensated from the government budget.

Any imposition of such a cess and increase in its rate at a later stage should be subject to a decision by parliament, and the amount should be fixed for a number of years to avoid any risk of political influence. A mechanism should also be placed for attending the rate of inflation and fluctuating foreign exchange and utilities’ (electricity, fuel, etc.) rates.

If considered meaningfully, this solidarity funding through radio cess will not only technically rejuvenate the PBC but will also make it a viable public service broadcaster.

Radio cess will also empower cellphone users to become partners in the policy-making of Radio Pakistan.

ANSAR-UL-HAQ
General Secretary
United Staff Organisation (CBA)
Karachi

Dawn