Pak bans news channel for airing 'false' clip of crashed plane

Bs_logoImage
Press Trust of India Lahore
Last Updated : Dec 23 2016 | 9:48 PM IST
Pakistan's electronic media regulator today ordered that the Channel-24 be shut down for seven days for airing a "false and unverified" audio clip of the crashed PIA plane in which 47 people were killed on December 7.
The decision was taken "for airing false, unverified audio clip" by the news channel claiming that the clip was of the ill-fated Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane which was crashed near Islamabad, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) spokesman Muhammad Tahir said.
The regulator had issued a show-cause notice to the channel, directing its management to file a reply by December 15.
"The channel in reply to show-cause notice and personal hearing could not prove its claim. The authority thus took the decision keeping in view the gravity of the violation, its adverse mental and psychological impact on the family members of those boarded the plane and the general public that was already going through an emotional trauma," Tahir said
The seven-day ban will come into effect from December 27.
Soon after the crash, an audio clip went viral on social media claiming to be the last audio before the plane crashed and was broadcast by Channel 24.
In the audio, people could be heard crying for help. However, it came to light that the clip was an audio of another plane.
The audio was released by Channel 24 during its 9:47 PM transmission on December 7 following which, PEMRA sent a notice to the channel for broadcasting the unverified audio clip.
PIA flight PK-661 smashed into a hillside in the country's north while travelling from the city of Chitral to Islamabad on December 7. The airline said one of the planes' two turboprop engines had failed.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 23 2016 | 9:48 PM IST