The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) suspended the licence of NEO TV – a private news channel, with immediate effect on Wednesday.
According to details, PEMRA had previously warned the channel’s management about its violation of licence as the channel was airing news that was contrary and contradictory to PEMRA regulations and laws.
“Authority had directed NEO TV to stop violation of licence category by airing news and current affairs programmes (which amounts to contravening the PEMRA laws) and revert back to its approved programming content that is entertainment programming in accordance with the terms and conditions of the licence,” read the statement issued by PEMRA.
The development comes as the Islamabad High Court upheld the PEMRA’s decision and dismissed NEO TV administration’s petition against it in March 2020.
Following the court’s decision PEMRA, on April 28, had issued a final warning to NEO TV, giving it one week to comply with PEMRA’s regulation regarding the nature of content being aired.
As a result of persisting failure to abide by PEMRA’s regulations and laws, the regulatory body has suspended the licence of Fun Infotainment Pvt Ltd i.e. Neo TV channel.