| The approval of the amendments would follow the Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting notifying the sequential changes in
the Rules in the Gazette. Such changes would also make provisions
to create a level playing field and prevent undue media concentration
and unfair business practices, said the minister.
Necessary safeguards would also be incorporated in the PEMRA ordinance
and rules to prevent misuse of media power. Those applicants who
come under cross-media ownership and had not applied for satellite
TV license will also be granted an opportunity to apply for a satellite
TV license. The deadline for this is May 15, 2004.
It is learnt that no bidding would be held for the awarding of
the licenses because there is space to accommodate more than 12
new television channels. The licenses will cost a fee of Rs 2.5
million each. PEMRA will charge an annual fee and a percentage of
each channel's annual revenue.
New TV licences are expected by July this year.
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