Pemra denies concessions in DTH licence

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has declined before the Supreme Court to allow alteration of the terms of the direct to home (DTH) licence being sought by a media organisation.

“The grant of concessions as demanded by the petitioner (Cross Current Private Limited) would have resulted in putting potential competitors at a disadvantage while being contrary to the spirit of the Pemra rules and regulations which encourage the facilitation of open and fair competition,” a reply submitted by Advocate Tariq Aziz on behalf of the authority said.

A bench, headed by Justice Anwar ZaheerJamali, had taken up the petition accusing Pemra of failing to discharge its regulatory duties to preserve the socio-cultural values of society and freedom of trade and business enshrined in the constitution.

The petition accused Pemra of failing to allow launching of DTH projects and to properly regulate and modernise the cable television industry.

The petitioner had sought directives for Pemra to take steps to digitise and modernise cable TV networks with latest censorship equipment and to stop and block sale of illegal Indian and other DTH services in the country.

Pemra said it had invited expressions of interest (EoI) for the launch of DTH services in Pakistan on May 17, 2003, and initiated a pre-qualification process.

Bidding for the DTH license took place on Oct 21, 2003, in which 10 pre-qualified companies were invited. A base price of Rs50 million was approved for the award of two non-exclusive DTH licences.

Later, Pemra announced the Cross Current and ARY Communications were joint successful bidders for the two non-exclusive DTH licences.

The petitioner deposited Rs37.5m -- 15 per cent of the bid -- with Pemra.

Pemra alleged that later the firm attempted to alter the terms of the licence because it did not possess the capabilities required to ensure a successful launch of the DTH project or the financial strength to acquire the permit.

The authority also denied the allegation levelled by the petitioner that it had acted in a discriminatory manner and said the process for the grant of the licences was governed solely by the Pemra Ordinance and Rules and Regulations. “The petitioner cannot deviate from the statutory requirements stipulated in the law,” the reply said.

NDTV gets special mention at AIB for its coverage of Delhi gang rape protests NDTV gets special mention at AIB for its coverage of Delhi gang rape protests

The winners of the 2013 AIBs were announced by the Association for International Broadcasting at a gala dinner at LSO St Luke’s in London.

NDTV was the only Indian entity to get a special mention as it was ‘Highly recommended’ in the ‘Live Journalism – TV’ category for its live coverage of the demonstrations and protests in the Delhi gang rape case.

The winner in this category was CNN for its coverage of the anti-government protests in Turkey

Amitabh Srivastava, Regional Head of the AIB in South Asia added, “We are delighted to see South Asian broadcasting excellence represented in the awards for the second year running.  The AIB is committed to help this important and growing market to compete fully in the global market."

Simon Spanswick, CEO, AIB said, “The entries in 2013 demonstrated the continuing dedication of programme makers and journalists to uncover important and challenging stories, to take risks, both personally and professionally and to work expertly to investigate and explain complex subjects. The entries educate, entertain and engage their audience using the latest technologies at their disposal. We have seen important and sometimes harrowing stories brought to light, the power of the voice to captivate as well as exciting and engrossing coverage of sporting events. Once again the judges have had the hard but rewarding search for the best out of a very strong set of entries.”

These annual international broadcasting awards are now in their ninth year and celebrate the best in radio, TV and transmedia – programmes, technology and talent.  The AIBs are judged by an independent and international panel of distinguished media professionals representing broadcasting across the world. 

The chosen winners demonstrate the best in engaging, powerful, moving and innovative reporting and investigation from entries which are submitted by countries in every continent of the world.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/international-news/item/3490-pemra-denies-concessions-in-dth-licence.htmlSource: http://cablequest.org/news/international-news/item/3490-pemra-denies-concessions-in-dth-licence.html