A three-member delegation, led by David A. Gross the US Ambassador and Co-ordinator for International Communication and Information Policy Bureau of Economics & Business Affairs, called on the chairman Pemra to discuss various issues of bilateral importance pertaining to the existing and future growth of electronic media in Pakistan.
The chairman Pemra briefed the delegate on the role and contribution of authority in the growth of private electronic media in country in a short span of few years.
He described the performance and achievements of Pemra in terms of licensing including satellite TV, FM radios, DTH, MMDS and Teleport earth station and also entitled the initiatives that are underway.
He also specified the contribution of authority in identifying and closing down more than 1,500 illegal cable operation and 156 unauthorised FM radio stations across the country. The chairman also described the tariff subsidies offered by the authority in order to facilitate the prospective entrants in this arena, which were deeply appreciated by the US team.
The American delegation lauded the contribution and ardent policies of Pemra in promoting private electronic media in Pakistan and bringing them at par with the developed nations of the world. They also deliberated on emerging trends and technologies including convergence and digitalisation of electronic media.
Both sides exchanged their views on further capacity building needs to cater the future challenges. The US delegate ensured greater and enhanced co-operation to Pemra chief in further development of electronic media sector in Pakistan and assured all possible economic and technical assistance in this regard.