PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN MEDIAS ROLE IN COMBATING TERRORISMRecommendationsof the Committee:Ø Committee decided that instead of Government and media taking each other head on, they should take the terrorists head on and amicably settle their implementation mechanisms for existing laws.Ø The strict adherence was proposed byall Committee members on existing media laws, as well as a refresher course of the same for all media organization staff and politicians.Ø Committee proposed the need for an overall mindset change and capacity building at media houses for implementing laws crucial for ending terrorism.Ø Committee made it clear that if all existing laws were adhered to responsibly by all media organizations, Pakistan would be well on its way to eliminating the menace of terrorism.Ø Committee reiterated that media were partners in peace time and war time and that this wars success depended in their active participation. They appreciated the understanding on the same.Ø Committee recommended that mediastakeholders refer to the existing laws for a better understanding of regulations pertaining to them for how to deal with Terrorists statements, their glamorization/glorification, threats issued by them. Members insisted that the above should not be given coverageby any segment of media, since existing law was clear on the same.Ø Committee recommended that mediastakeholders may take guidance from international best practices in dealing with the menace of terrorismØ Committee recommended implementation of existing laws throughamicable settlement between Government and media stakeholders with Committee acting as bridge.Ø Committee recommended that whilst stakeholders were legally bound to comply with the existing code of conduct, Government should have a detailed conclusive meeting with stakeholders within two weeks to implement the code as well as its procedures for enforcement in case the code was violated.Ø The Committee recommended enforcement and monitoring of Section 20 (e) & (f) of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002 as amended by the PEMRA Amendment Act, 2007.Ø The Committee also proposed certainAmendments in existing laws which are required in the new political reality of Pakistan in 2015.Ø Committee recommended that a Consultative Body between Government and all representative Media stakeholders including Editors and CEOs of TV/print organizations, psycho social experts, social media experts, meet more often during the so called war time period to discuss and amicably unanimously settle any operational matters, issues which required clarity on counter terrorism narrative or any of the codes implementation. The Consultative Body could be assisted by the Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage in its terms of references and functioning. The operational procedures, ethical codes, case studies from current media practices on terror incidents, the impact on the mental well being of the public plus the impact on reduction of terrorism could be part of its mandate.Ø The Committee recommended that live coverage of terrorism related incidents should be highly restricted. If inevitable there should be substantial delay in order to avoid any misuse of the footages by the miscreants and contents should be passed through stricteditorial scrutiny. The SOPs need to be developed by the Consultative Body for Live coverage using past practices and research. The BBC code on the same could be used as guideline.Ø The Committee recommended that whilst most terrorism related media rules have been adequately covered by existing legislation there are certain specific recommendationsmade by the Committee which are guidelines which can assist media in playing their national role in this fight tagainst the terrorists.Ø Committee also unlined the need for taking certain measures aimed at ensuring security of the media persons in the current circumstances.Ø Committee recommended that Urgent Regulation of Social Media is required keeping the realities in mind.Ø Committee recommended the Government should provide media with its official policy document on the counter-terrorism narrative. The Consultative Body with media stakeholders would play an important role in discussing, disseminating the official version as well as adding value to it due to its own experience. Psycho social analysts would also need to be animportant part of the formulation which was urgently required.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:31:20 +0000
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