Pemra workshop on FM radio broadcasting

KARACHI: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) organised 2nd one day workshop for industry stakeholders on the topic, “FM Radio Broadcasting in Pakistan” at a local hotel here on Thursday, says a press release.
Major emphasis of this workshop was on engaging stakeholders to identify issues relating to FM radio licensing e.g. tariff, renewal of licences, operational issues and other hurdles being faced by FM radio licensees. Other important aspect of the workshop was to find out ways for sector development and create awareness about Pemra laws, regulations and Code of Conduct.
Pervez Rathore, Pemra chairman, in his keynote, shed light on the FM radio broadcasting sector in Pakistan. Other speakers from Pemra, included Wakeel Khan, general manager and Muhammad Iqbal, assistant general manager, who shared views, experience and knowledge about regulatory issues and challenges of FM radio broadcasting in the country, technological advancement in FM broadcasting and the future of radio systems.
Speakers from the industry: Mirza Muhammad Naeem, CEO FM Awaz group, Mehdi Raza, director FM 107 Karachi and Zulfiqar Shah from FM 105 Karachi, shared their practical experiences and knowledge on issues and challenges to FM Radio sector in the light of regulatory impediments.
Based on the discussion, presentations and lectures, two working groups were formed comprising Pemra and industry representatives to sort out following main subjects: 1. Regulatory and tariff issues, which also include Code of Conduct, fee structure and renewal process of FM radio licences 2. Operational impediments, adherence to technical parameters, networking of FM stations, local content production, live telephonic calls which sometimes contain objectionable discussions and duration of advertisements, etc.
These working groups deliberated on the assigned themes at length and formed suggestions/recommendations for consideration of the Authority. Concluding the workshop, Pemra chairman, Pervez Rathore thanked all the participants and learned speakers for joining hands with Pemra in resolving industry issues with mutual consent.
The chairman said that Pemra was working to offer maximum facilitation to stakeholders and investors to attract more investment and employment in country in the electronic media sector. The FM radio industry appreciated the efforts made by Pemra.