PEMRA holds workshop on FM radio broadcasting
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday organised a one-day workshop for industry stakeholders on the topic of “FM Radio Broadcasting in Pakistan” at its headquarters.
Major emphasis of this workshop was to engage stakeholders to identify issues relating to the FM radio licensing eg tariff, renewal of licenses, operational issues and other hurdles being faced by FM radio licensees. Other important aspect of the workshop was to create awareness about PEMRA laws, regulations and code of conduct.
PEMRA Executive Member Kamaluddin Tipu in his keynote address discussed overall FM radio broadcasting sector in Pakistan. Other speakers from PEMRA included Wakeel Khan and Junaid Nagi who shared views, experience and knowledge about the regulatory issues and challenges faced by FM radio broadcasting in the country, technological advancement in FM broadcasting and future of radio system.
Speakers from the industry – FM 105 Gujrat CEO Mirza Muhammad Naeem and FM 100 Islamabad Director Kamran Khawaja – shared their practical experiences and knowledge about issues and challenges faced by FM radio sector in the light of regulatory impediments.
Based on the discussion, presentations and lectures three working groups were formed comprising PEMRA and industry representatives to sort out main issues including regulatory and tariff issues including code of conduct, fee structure and renewal process of FM radio licenses. Operational issues to be sorted out included adherence to technical parameters, networking of FM stations, local content production, live telephonic calls which sometimes contain objectionable discussions and duration of advertisements etc.
Third main point included the capacity building of licensees wherein major emphasis was given on holding listeners’ surveys, need for training and rating need analysis etc. These working groups deliberated on the assigned themes at length and put forward suggestions/recommendations for the consideration of the Authority.
Concluding the workshop, PEMRA Chairman Parvez Rathore thanked all participants and learned speakers for joining hand with PEMRA in resolving issues faced by the industry with mutual consent. The chairman said that PEMRA is working to provide maximum facilitation to stakeholders and investors to attract more investment and employment in country in the electronic media sector.
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