Every country has its own set of rules and regulations for the media on how to operate. Pakistan also has a regulatory body by the name of PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) that has developed to control the media and its content.
Before the discussion starts, I would state that after reading the PEMRA Ordinance, I (as a lay man) am under the impression that the laws are complete enough for the authority to maintain discipline in the media industry. In my opinion, the problem lies not in the law itself but in the implementation by the authority. Rules are made by PEMRA but are not being implemented or I should say actions are not being taken against the media for not following the rules laid down. It is a fault on the part of the authority and lack of strict actions that leads to the improper implementation of the law.
Another reason of lack of media control and shortcoming is the lack of responsibility of media owners. It is their duty to ensure that their station shows content that is in line with the rules laid down by the authority.
It would be unfair to blame any one entity. Therefore, as mentioned, media owners as well as the regulatory authority should start acting responsibly towards an improved and foolproof media.
Regards,
Anas Kamdar
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Movie Review: Network
Network came out as a shocking drama for the viewers who (if not for the first time) were getting exposed to the reality of television. I agree to the fact that one of the major purpose/objective/motive for a television channel is to earn money and the primary way to earn it is through advertisements. Advertisement follows where there is viewer ship and a channel that has high viewer ship has the chance of earning higher revenues. This movie reflects the same phenomenon by showing a News show host who is loosing his program viewer ship and his desperate attempts to attain ratings by creating sensationalism. Although the method adopted by the host was extremely unethical in my point of view but the heads of that channel did not stop it. Major reason was that the heads got a fair idea that this tactic would deliver those ratings, eventually revenues.
Another major point of discussion in this movie is that a journalist’s job is to deliver the truth and nothing else. A journalist becomes an activist when he starts running a propaganda campaign which is reflected in the movie. In both the cases, my conclusion is that it is eventually the channels’ job to ensure that it does not give birth or promote activism.
Regards,
Anas Kamdar
Another major point of discussion in this movie is that a journalist’s job is to deliver the truth and nothing else. A journalist becomes an activist when he starts running a propaganda campaign which is reflected in the movie. In both the cases, my conclusion is that it is eventually the channels’ job to ensure that it does not give birth or promote activism.
Regards,
Anas Kamdar
Journalism vs Activism
All around the world, if we pick any news channel, we see that journalism has lost its true essence. News are not merely reported or transferred with the objective of informing only, but also with the purpose of attaining viewer ship. And a channel attains viewer ship when it adds its own opinions to it. Adding opinion means holding a cause.
Talking about Pakistan, we see that our journalists working for the media are more of activists. It gets really frustrating to see shows on news channels by the name of “mere mutabiq” etc. It is criminal for a journalist to present a news/information according to what he/she thinks about the news/information. More and more current affair and talk shows are based on what the host thinks about a particular event or news or information. It is not the job of a journalist!! His/her job is to present the news in a truthful manner and let the receiver/audience make his/her own perception. Providing audience with the news coupled with own views on it kills the perceptual ability of the receiver.
Eventually, when we compare both, we get to a conclusion that journalism is strictly confined to informing the audience thru the use of credible information sources. Whereas, activism is related to achieving results and its main purpose is to attain a particular outcome(s).
Regards,
Anas Kamdar
Talking about Pakistan, we see that our journalists working for the media are more of activists. It gets really frustrating to see shows on news channels by the name of “mere mutabiq” etc. It is criminal for a journalist to present a news/information according to what he/she thinks about the news/information. More and more current affair and talk shows are based on what the host thinks about a particular event or news or information. It is not the job of a journalist!! His/her job is to present the news in a truthful manner and let the receiver/audience make his/her own perception. Providing audience with the news coupled with own views on it kills the perceptual ability of the receiver.
Eventually, when we compare both, we get to a conclusion that journalism is strictly confined to informing the audience thru the use of credible information sources. Whereas, activism is related to achieving results and its main purpose is to attain a particular outcome(s).
Regards,
Anas Kamdar
Copyright
Copyright for something means that the ownership belongs of that something belongs to someone. When we say this thing is not copyright, it means that this things is being used without the prior permission of its owner. These days, world over people tend to copyright their work. Much appreciation to the authorities that protect people’s work from illegal use. But the problem lies in the implementation of these copyright rules.
Unfortunately, law enforcement agencies are not doing much to protect the rights of copyright property owners. As the laws are there, unfortunately there are no checks and balances. Talking about media, there are channels that air content which are not obtained from a genuine source. Many cable operators are using unlicensed pirated content. Not only movies are a part but so much so that a few cable operators are airing National Geographic content download illegally from the internet.
What is required is that we need to set up a separate committee including the Law Enforcement Agency personnel and judicial panel that keeps a check on the people using pirated material. The result of this will eventually be the protection of the rights of owners and deliver confidence into the market.
Regards,
Anas Kamdar
Unfortunately, law enforcement agencies are not doing much to protect the rights of copyright property owners. As the laws are there, unfortunately there are no checks and balances. Talking about media, there are channels that air content which are not obtained from a genuine source. Many cable operators are using unlicensed pirated content. Not only movies are a part but so much so that a few cable operators are airing National Geographic content download illegally from the internet.
What is required is that we need to set up a separate committee including the Law Enforcement Agency personnel and judicial panel that keeps a check on the people using pirated material. The result of this will eventually be the protection of the rights of owners and deliver confidence into the market.
Regards,
Anas Kamdar
Monday, September 6, 2010
PEMRA Ordinance 2002
The rapid and immense rise of the broadcast sector is in Pakistan has reported to and influenced millions in Pakistan. From one terrestrial channel, 80 satellite channels and Radio Pakistan on air since 1949. There are more than a 100 FM radio stations and broadcasting is at a peak in Pakistan’s history. To oversee and administer television and radio channels, in 1992 the Government created Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA Ordinance.) This was at was developed by the Ministry to Law, Justice and Human Rights & Parliamentary Affairs in 2002 under the supervision of President of Pakistan General Pervaiz Musharraf.
The 2002 PEMRA improved earlier Media law. An authority was developed to monitor the effectiveness of the PEMRA but the ordinance seriously lacks proper and strict implementation. The monitoring of the networks, TV stations and Airwaves is not satisfactory. Proven by the practice of satellite channels that show extensive footage of blood and corpses of the victims of bomb blasts, terrorism and the regional military conflict. This is against the PEMRA Ordinance but all the channels show the bloodshed as sensationalistic ally and with disturbing video and audio content for the purpose of getting more viewership and increasing profitability. PEMRA clearly does not take any action against those channels.
When GEO TV, a major channel that is respected in the West said that Pakistan is involved in Mumbai attacks, PEMRA should have taken severe action because channels should support our national interests and respect. The possibility of causing more deaths and conspiracy by not adhering to PEMRA guidelines is against national ideals.
GEO & ARY were telecasting the news of shoe throwing on Zardari in UK, then GEO & ARY were banned and sent off air immediately in Pakistan. Which is again a false act by PEMRA because the Ordinance states that “Channels can show the truth only, even if it is against the Government but can not add any extra material to it.” So according to me, the most major problem with the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 is the need for serious implementation and use of its authority to protect Pakistan. There should not be loopholes that underscore the efficiency of the News media in Pakistan. Its lack of efficiency and consistency in regulations of TV and radio must improve for the PEMRA Ordinance of 2002 to meet the needs of a strong country facing massive problems.
Regards,
Wajeeh Fatima
The 2002 PEMRA improved earlier Media law. An authority was developed to monitor the effectiveness of the PEMRA but the ordinance seriously lacks proper and strict implementation. The monitoring of the networks, TV stations and Airwaves is not satisfactory. Proven by the practice of satellite channels that show extensive footage of blood and corpses of the victims of bomb blasts, terrorism and the regional military conflict. This is against the PEMRA Ordinance but all the channels show the bloodshed as sensationalistic ally and with disturbing video and audio content for the purpose of getting more viewership and increasing profitability. PEMRA clearly does not take any action against those channels.
When GEO TV, a major channel that is respected in the West said that Pakistan is involved in Mumbai attacks, PEMRA should have taken severe action because channels should support our national interests and respect. The possibility of causing more deaths and conspiracy by not adhering to PEMRA guidelines is against national ideals.
GEO & ARY were telecasting the news of shoe throwing on Zardari in UK, then GEO & ARY were banned and sent off air immediately in Pakistan. Which is again a false act by PEMRA because the Ordinance states that “Channels can show the truth only, even if it is against the Government but can not add any extra material to it.” So according to me, the most major problem with the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 is the need for serious implementation and use of its authority to protect Pakistan. There should not be loopholes that underscore the efficiency of the News media in Pakistan. Its lack of efficiency and consistency in regulations of TV and radio must improve for the PEMRA Ordinance of 2002 to meet the needs of a strong country facing massive problems.
Regards,
Wajeeh Fatima
Network
Network released in 1976 and is a strong satire on TV, films and media. The film won four Oscars and till 2010 is one of the greatest films according to Hollywood/ film critics. Howard Beale (Peter Finch), role was a talk show host who has low ratings but threatens suicide on national television. The studio fires him and ratings for the show went very high when he did this and then they put on air for a week to apologize but he say does not on air and says instead “life is bullshit and goes on an angry rant” and does not apologize. The studio hires him because they will make more money because for show.
The film is important because of the media culture of free speech and the film impacted writers and Hollywood because of its themes of mass media, isolation and the willingness of corporations to make profit over the breakdown of a TV show host. The show does even better and then Howard Beale gets a new show Howard Beale (called the mad prophet) The most memorable quote in the film is when audiences shout and also as asked by Howard Beale they did during a thunderstorm. From his show people across America show start shouting the phrase: We're as mad as hell, and we're not going to take this anymore." This phrase remained known in mass culture” Beale’s phrase of anger and his ranting made his mad prophet show the most highest ratings and profit.
In some of the greatest dialogue, the Studio chief Jensen tells Beales “interrelatedness of the participants in the international economy, and the illusory nature of nationality distinctions”. The Studio boss Jensen worldview ultimately persuades Beale to abandon his angry message and talks about the dehumanization of society. Ratings and the shows success start falling fast but Jensen supports Beale and does not let him get fired. A terrorist group with a show The Mao Tse Tung hour, with the studio assassinates Beale on Live television. Despite this, the film closes with "the first known instance of a man who was killed because he had lousy ratings”.
The film explores themes of media, profits and ratings of shows and the television industry. It is a very entertaining film and has influenced media culture/Hollywood and the press. It told a dramatic story of a man who desperate to get more TV success and has a mental collapse but is used by the studio and TV networks because he made more money for them now. Films, TV, music and everything moves with financial incentives and the film shows how Beale is used and his mad ravings make more money for the company. The impact of the is movie on Hollywood, media, TVC and culture is very important and it shows the individual who feels that society is destroying him his role as a mad TV show host made lots of money for the network in the film CCA. The acting and script is excellent and the movie was ahead of its times and now these themes of media, free press and the treatment of human beings versus money. I enjoyed the film and its dialogue very much and it’s a film that students and professionals should watch. When Howard Beal says “"We're as mad as hell, and we're not going to take this anymore." It became a cultural expression and this film was brilliant in its story.
Regards,
Wajeeh Fatima
The film is important because of the media culture of free speech and the film impacted writers and Hollywood because of its themes of mass media, isolation and the willingness of corporations to make profit over the breakdown of a TV show host. The show does even better and then Howard Beale gets a new show Howard Beale (called the mad prophet) The most memorable quote in the film is when audiences shout and also as asked by Howard Beale they did during a thunderstorm. From his show people across America show start shouting the phrase: We're as mad as hell, and we're not going to take this anymore." This phrase remained known in mass culture” Beale’s phrase of anger and his ranting made his mad prophet show the most highest ratings and profit.
In some of the greatest dialogue, the Studio chief Jensen tells Beales “interrelatedness of the participants in the international economy, and the illusory nature of nationality distinctions”. The Studio boss Jensen worldview ultimately persuades Beale to abandon his angry message and talks about the dehumanization of society. Ratings and the shows success start falling fast but Jensen supports Beale and does not let him get fired. A terrorist group with a show The Mao Tse Tung hour, with the studio assassinates Beale on Live television. Despite this, the film closes with "the first known instance of a man who was killed because he had lousy ratings”.
The film explores themes of media, profits and ratings of shows and the television industry. It is a very entertaining film and has influenced media culture/Hollywood and the press. It told a dramatic story of a man who desperate to get more TV success and has a mental collapse but is used by the studio and TV networks because he made more money for them now. Films, TV, music and everything moves with financial incentives and the film shows how Beale is used and his mad ravings make more money for the company. The impact of the is movie on Hollywood, media, TVC and culture is very important and it shows the individual who feels that society is destroying him his role as a mad TV show host made lots of money for the network in the film CCA. The acting and script is excellent and the movie was ahead of its times and now these themes of media, free press and the treatment of human beings versus money. I enjoyed the film and its dialogue very much and it’s a film that students and professionals should watch. When Howard Beal says “"We're as mad as hell, and we're not going to take this anymore." It became a cultural expression and this film was brilliant in its story.
Regards,
Wajeeh Fatima
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Pakistan: A Love story Documentary
Pakistan A Love Story is a short documentary on the history of romance and men and women’s stories. Gulshan Bibi married and was treated worse than an animal and threatened by Kari which would be cutting up her body in pieces by an axe. She had believed in the purity and hope of marriage but this was destroyed. In Kari female is buried at night in an unmarked grave and no prayers or funeral services. With full police support this happens.
The Cynic: Wants to highlight the scary realities of the treatment of women and also the state of society that does not grant protection to male female relationships.
The Optimist: Cinderella and Hollywood shows are mentioned to show what is true love from fairytales and films/TV. This is inspirational but real world relationships in the East and West are based on trust and commitment and not fairytales but all couples want to be like the stories of films and fairytales.
Man relates story of father who was kidnapped by friends on wedding day because his mother was against the wedding. This is because of the brutal and harsh values sometimes in Pakistan although many families and people live good successful family lives.
To a Pakistani man, the Taj Mahal is most inspiring its background and story. How it was built for the greatest empire and for love for Mumtaz Mahal.
TV. Films music all shows the stories of romance.
Jinnah love story is remembered and Vital signs, Nusrat Fateh Ali khan and film actors in lollywood. The films of the 1950s and 1960s made romance more culturally commercial and the development of the arts was influenced by romance.
Couples meet in parks in Pakistan because they have no place to meet each other for romance. They hide from their families and co-workers because it is seen as a bad thing for young men and women to be together in public. Men and women are seen to care about how rich and educated the other person is and the woman from film clip wants to be taken to expensive restaurants in Mercedes. Women and men should gain respect for romance in Pakistan and it is negative to see the reality of the romance culture in Pakistan showed in this well made documentary. The development of Gender culture in Pakistan is important and should be promoted and respected.
Regards,
Wajeeh Fatima
The Cynic: Wants to highlight the scary realities of the treatment of women and also the state of society that does not grant protection to male female relationships.
The Optimist: Cinderella and Hollywood shows are mentioned to show what is true love from fairytales and films/TV. This is inspirational but real world relationships in the East and West are based on trust and commitment and not fairytales but all couples want to be like the stories of films and fairytales.
Man relates story of father who was kidnapped by friends on wedding day because his mother was against the wedding. This is because of the brutal and harsh values sometimes in Pakistan although many families and people live good successful family lives.
To a Pakistani man, the Taj Mahal is most inspiring its background and story. How it was built for the greatest empire and for love for Mumtaz Mahal.
TV. Films music all shows the stories of romance.
Jinnah love story is remembered and Vital signs, Nusrat Fateh Ali khan and film actors in lollywood. The films of the 1950s and 1960s made romance more culturally commercial and the development of the arts was influenced by romance.
Couples meet in parks in Pakistan because they have no place to meet each other for romance. They hide from their families and co-workers because it is seen as a bad thing for young men and women to be together in public. Men and women are seen to care about how rich and educated the other person is and the woman from film clip wants to be taken to expensive restaurants in Mercedes. Women and men should gain respect for romance in Pakistan and it is negative to see the reality of the romance culture in Pakistan showed in this well made documentary. The development of Gender culture in Pakistan is important and should be promoted and respected.
Regards,
Wajeeh Fatima
Network Movie Review
“I’m mad as hell and I cannot take it anymore!”
The Plot:
This movie is the story of Howard Beale Show - the longtime anchor of the UBS Evening News, who learns he has just two more weeks on the air because of declining ratings. The following night, he announces on live television that he will commit suicide by shooting himself in the head during next Tuesday's broadcast. UBS fires him after this incident, but — after some persuasion from UBS News' old guard president and Beale's best friend, Max Schumacher (William Holden) — lets him back on the air, ostensibly for a dignified farewell. Beale promises he will apologize for his outburst. However, once on the air, he launches into a rant claiming that life is "bullshit". Beale's outburst causes the newscast's ratings to increase.
Beale galvanizes the nation with his rant, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" and persuades Americans to shout out their windows during a lightning storm. Soon Beale is hosting a new program called "The Howard Beale Show", top-billed as a "mad prophet." Ultimately, the show becomes the highest rated program on television
When Beale discovers that CCA, the conglomerate that owns UBS, will be bought out by an even larger Saudi Arabian conglomerate, he launches an on-screen tirade against it, encouraging viewers to send telegrams to the White House telling them, "I want the CCA deal stopped now!"
Beale is then taken to meet with CCA chairman Arthur Jensen who explicates his own "corporate cosmology" to the attentive Beale. Jensen's world view ultimately persuades Beale to abandon his populist messages. However, television audiences find his new views on the dehumanization of society to be depressing, and ratings begin to slide. Despite this, Jensen will not allow executives to fire Beale. Solving the Beale problem plus sparking a boost in season-opener ratings — Christensen arranges for Beale's on-air assassination by the same group of urban terrorists whom she discovered earlier.
Lessons Learnt
This movie dramatically screens the impact of sensationalism and activism in media and its impact on a society. It also uncovers the players involved in making money and playing their politics to get their things done even through murder. This is something we can relate to our society as well.
Regards,
Owais Moeen
The Plot:
This movie is the story of Howard Beale Show - the longtime anchor of the UBS Evening News, who learns he has just two more weeks on the air because of declining ratings. The following night, he announces on live television that he will commit suicide by shooting himself in the head during next Tuesday's broadcast. UBS fires him after this incident, but — after some persuasion from UBS News' old guard president and Beale's best friend, Max Schumacher (William Holden) — lets him back on the air, ostensibly for a dignified farewell. Beale promises he will apologize for his outburst. However, once on the air, he launches into a rant claiming that life is "bullshit". Beale's outburst causes the newscast's ratings to increase.
Beale galvanizes the nation with his rant, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" and persuades Americans to shout out their windows during a lightning storm. Soon Beale is hosting a new program called "The Howard Beale Show", top-billed as a "mad prophet." Ultimately, the show becomes the highest rated program on television
When Beale discovers that CCA, the conglomerate that owns UBS, will be bought out by an even larger Saudi Arabian conglomerate, he launches an on-screen tirade against it, encouraging viewers to send telegrams to the White House telling them, "I want the CCA deal stopped now!"
Beale is then taken to meet with CCA chairman Arthur Jensen who explicates his own "corporate cosmology" to the attentive Beale. Jensen's world view ultimately persuades Beale to abandon his populist messages. However, television audiences find his new views on the dehumanization of society to be depressing, and ratings begin to slide. Despite this, Jensen will not allow executives to fire Beale. Solving the Beale problem plus sparking a boost in season-opener ratings — Christensen arranges for Beale's on-air assassination by the same group of urban terrorists whom she discovered earlier.
Lessons Learnt
This movie dramatically screens the impact of sensationalism and activism in media and its impact on a society. It also uncovers the players involved in making money and playing their politics to get their things done even through murder. This is something we can relate to our society as well.
Regards,
Owais Moeen
Copy Right Laws in Pakistan
Introduction
In Pakistan, copyright protection is governed by the provisions of the Copyright Ordinance, 1962 ("the Ordinance") which is modelled on the English Act of 1914. Pakistan is a member of Berne Copyright Union and the Universal Copyright Convention
This Ordinance was amended in 1992 through copyright amendment act.
Significant Clauses and Amendments
Inclusion of computer software, periodicals, video films and all kind of audio-visual works etc:
Copyright protection originally available to literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, cinematographic and architectural works, books, photographs, newspapers, engravings, lectures, records (defined as "any disc, tape, wire, perforated roll or other device in which sounds are embodied so as to be capable of being reproduced therefrom, other than a sound track associated with a cinematographic work") and sculptures is now extended to computer software, periodicals, video films and all kind of audio-visual works.
Hard Penalties and Better compensation
The Ordinance now provides stiffer penalties for offenders and better compensation to the persons whose rights have been infringed. The manner in which the copyright is breached has also been extended. Entirely new offences have been created through the Amendment Act
Section 37 of the Ordinance has been amended to restrict granting of licences to produce and publish translation of a literary or dramatic work in English, French or Spanish, hence an applicant requesting the grant of licence, upon granting of the licence and payment of prescribed royalty to the author, can produce and publish translation of a literary or dramatic work in any Pakistani language or any language not being English, French or Spanish.
Local and Foreign Work
The Ordinance has distinct provisions for Pakistani and foreign works.
Duration of Copyright:-
The period of copyright of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work (other than a photograph) is the life of the author and 50 years thereafter. In the case of a cinematographic work and a photograph, copyright subsists until 50 years from the beginning of the calendar year from publication of the work
Infringement of Copyright:-
The act of copying of work, which is entitled to copyright protection, by any method, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device constitutes an infringement of the copyright in the work. Section 56 of the Ordinance provides that copyright in a work shall be deemed to be infringed in the following cases:-
(a) when any person without the consent of the owner of the copyright or without a licence granted by such owner or the Registrar under the Ordinance or in contravention of the conditions of a licence so granted or of any condition imposed by a competent authority under the Ordinance:-
(i) does anything the exclusive right to do which is by this Ordinance conferred upon the owner of the copyright; or
(ii) permits for profit any place to be used for the performance of the work in public where such performance constitutes an infringement of the copyright in the work unless he was not aware and had no reasonable ground for suspecting, that such performance would be an infringement of the copyright, or
(b) when any person:-
(i) makes for sale or hire or sells or lets for hire, or by way of trade displays or offers for sale or hire, or
(ii) distributes either for the purpose of trade to such as extent as to affect prejudicially the owner of the copyright, or
(iii) by way of trade exhibits in public, or
(iv) imports into Pakistan, any infringing copies of the work.
COPYRIGHT FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMES IN PAKISTAN
In Pakistan, computer programmes are excluded from patent protection under the patent laws. Protection under the copyright laws is the only safeguard available for the computer software industry.
Infringement of Computer Programmes:-
Pursuant to the restrictions imposed under Section 56 of the Ordinance, even the purchasers of computer programmes may not copy, adapt or make copies of adaption of the programmes in connection with their use by themselves or their employees. The unauthorised use of a computer programme in a computer is also infringement of the copyright. Accordingly, if a duplicate of a computer programme is acquired by someone who has no licence to use it, the copyright owner has the right to prevent him using it.
Remedies for Infringement:-
There are two remedies for breach of copyright in Pakistan; civil proceedings and criminal proceedings. Accordingly, a person whose copyright has been infringed is able to sue for damages, claim an injunction, an account of the profits gained by the defendants as a result of the infringement, delivery up of infringing articles etc
Regards,
Owais Moeen
In Pakistan, copyright protection is governed by the provisions of the Copyright Ordinance, 1962 ("the Ordinance") which is modelled on the English Act of 1914. Pakistan is a member of Berne Copyright Union and the Universal Copyright Convention
This Ordinance was amended in 1992 through copyright amendment act.
Significant Clauses and Amendments
Inclusion of computer software, periodicals, video films and all kind of audio-visual works etc:
Copyright protection originally available to literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, cinematographic and architectural works, books, photographs, newspapers, engravings, lectures, records (defined as "any disc, tape, wire, perforated roll or other device in which sounds are embodied so as to be capable of being reproduced therefrom, other than a sound track associated with a cinematographic work") and sculptures is now extended to computer software, periodicals, video films and all kind of audio-visual works.
Hard Penalties and Better compensation
The Ordinance now provides stiffer penalties for offenders and better compensation to the persons whose rights have been infringed. The manner in which the copyright is breached has also been extended. Entirely new offences have been created through the Amendment Act
Section 37 of the Ordinance has been amended to restrict granting of licences to produce and publish translation of a literary or dramatic work in English, French or Spanish, hence an applicant requesting the grant of licence, upon granting of the licence and payment of prescribed royalty to the author, can produce and publish translation of a literary or dramatic work in any Pakistani language or any language not being English, French or Spanish.
Local and Foreign Work
The Ordinance has distinct provisions for Pakistani and foreign works.
Duration of Copyright:-
The period of copyright of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work (other than a photograph) is the life of the author and 50 years thereafter. In the case of a cinematographic work and a photograph, copyright subsists until 50 years from the beginning of the calendar year from publication of the work
Infringement of Copyright:-
The act of copying of work, which is entitled to copyright protection, by any method, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device constitutes an infringement of the copyright in the work. Section 56 of the Ordinance provides that copyright in a work shall be deemed to be infringed in the following cases:-
(a) when any person without the consent of the owner of the copyright or without a licence granted by such owner or the Registrar under the Ordinance or in contravention of the conditions of a licence so granted or of any condition imposed by a competent authority under the Ordinance:-
(i) does anything the exclusive right to do which is by this Ordinance conferred upon the owner of the copyright; or
(ii) permits for profit any place to be used for the performance of the work in public where such performance constitutes an infringement of the copyright in the work unless he was not aware and had no reasonable ground for suspecting, that such performance would be an infringement of the copyright, or
(b) when any person:-
(i) makes for sale or hire or sells or lets for hire, or by way of trade displays or offers for sale or hire, or
(ii) distributes either for the purpose of trade to such as extent as to affect prejudicially the owner of the copyright, or
(iii) by way of trade exhibits in public, or
(iv) imports into Pakistan, any infringing copies of the work.
COPYRIGHT FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMES IN PAKISTAN
In Pakistan, computer programmes are excluded from patent protection under the patent laws. Protection under the copyright laws is the only safeguard available for the computer software industry.
Infringement of Computer Programmes:-
Pursuant to the restrictions imposed under Section 56 of the Ordinance, even the purchasers of computer programmes may not copy, adapt or make copies of adaption of the programmes in connection with their use by themselves or their employees. The unauthorised use of a computer programme in a computer is also infringement of the copyright. Accordingly, if a duplicate of a computer programme is acquired by someone who has no licence to use it, the copyright owner has the right to prevent him using it.
Remedies for Infringement:-
There are two remedies for breach of copyright in Pakistan; civil proceedings and criminal proceedings. Accordingly, a person whose copyright has been infringed is able to sue for damages, claim an injunction, an account of the profits gained by the defendants as a result of the infringement, delivery up of infringing articles etc
Regards,
Owais Moeen
Media Nama – Tab aur Ab
A decent effort by the Genie Productions to compare the news media of yesterday and today.
The documentary consists of a simple plot based on the following structure
1. News Media yesterday – Tab
2. News Media today – Ab
3. Message to the news media to highlight the positive aspects of Pakistan
The point that the group want ed to make was very much loud and clear. Stop sensationalizing and improve the image of Pakistan. From production point of view, The sound mixing and video transitions were well organised, specially mixing of National Anthem at different points was like icing on the cake.
Few Flaws that I noticed, the camera angle was unorthodox at the time the opinions were recorded and sound quality had to be improved. The documentary got a little dragged up in the end but still the conclusion came up pretty strongly “Jaago Media Jaago Pakistan.!
The documentary received a great round of applause in the screening event and pretty good feedback on social media. Thumbs up to the group and a pat on my back for suggesting the name “Media-Nama”
Regards,
Owais Moeen
The documentary consists of a simple plot based on the following structure
1. News Media yesterday – Tab
2. News Media today – Ab
3. Message to the news media to highlight the positive aspects of Pakistan
The point that the group want ed to make was very much loud and clear. Stop sensationalizing and improve the image of Pakistan. From production point of view, The sound mixing and video transitions were well organised, specially mixing of National Anthem at different points was like icing on the cake.
Few Flaws that I noticed, the camera angle was unorthodox at the time the opinions were recorded and sound quality had to be improved. The documentary got a little dragged up in the end but still the conclusion came up pretty strongly “Jaago Media Jaago Pakistan.!
The documentary received a great round of applause in the screening event and pretty good feedback on social media. Thumbs up to the group and a pat on my back for suggesting the name “Media-Nama”
Regards,
Owais Moeen
Review of the Documentary: Media Nama
Media Nama highlighted the basic differences between the old news casting on PTV News few years back and the recent news casting on the satellite channels. The difference is quite prominent which has both the aspects i.e Positive and Negative.
One can see the difference in all the major aspects of news i.e news presentation which includes News Sets, Equipment, Anchors’ Wardrobe etc., news delivery, news content, body language of the news casters and much more. Even the title music of some news channel is very thrilling and sensational e.g Geo News as it was also used in the documentary.
If we go few years back when there was only one terrestrial channel PTV News, we don’t witness the above mentioned facts. In addition to that, the news content was very sophisticated and was only revolving around the present government that people mostly called it ”Sadarnama” instead of ”Khabarnama”. But nowadays, satellite channels cover every single news that is happening around you like political, business, entertainment, sports, law and order etc. and provide the masses with each and every detail of a particular news. Also, they stuff the news with a lot of unnecessary sensation in order to capture most of the audience so that the channel gets more popularity which transforms into better gallop ratings, more commercials so ultimately more revenue to the channel. Another trend has started couple of years back which is that the serious news is presented in a funny or entertaining way by putting some funny background music or song on the news e.g Shoaib Sania Marriage News, News of Zardari shaking hands with Sarah Palin and not letting go of her hand etc.
Unfortunately, one most negative aspect of the satellite channels is that they mostly focus on the negative news or only the negative side of the news. But there are so many positive things in Pakistan which the documentary revealed in the last few minutes where it showed Pakistan rankings in the globe which were mostly in top 10 positions in the fields of salt mines, railways, mountain range, ports and much more, and few of those were new to me.
In the end, I would like to conclude by saying that both PTV News and satellite channels news approach in incorrect. They both need to be moderate in the sense that PTV News should not only be focused to the positive and government news but also focus on all the unpleasant news that is happening in the country but unfortunately this cannot happen because it is against the PTV Policy. On the other hand, the satellite channels must tone themselves down a little bit and focus more on the positive side of the news and Pakistan as well.
Regards,
Syed Muhammad Danish
One can see the difference in all the major aspects of news i.e news presentation which includes News Sets, Equipment, Anchors’ Wardrobe etc., news delivery, news content, body language of the news casters and much more. Even the title music of some news channel is very thrilling and sensational e.g Geo News as it was also used in the documentary.
If we go few years back when there was only one terrestrial channel PTV News, we don’t witness the above mentioned facts. In addition to that, the news content was very sophisticated and was only revolving around the present government that people mostly called it ”Sadarnama” instead of ”Khabarnama”. But nowadays, satellite channels cover every single news that is happening around you like political, business, entertainment, sports, law and order etc. and provide the masses with each and every detail of a particular news. Also, they stuff the news with a lot of unnecessary sensation in order to capture most of the audience so that the channel gets more popularity which transforms into better gallop ratings, more commercials so ultimately more revenue to the channel. Another trend has started couple of years back which is that the serious news is presented in a funny or entertaining way by putting some funny background music or song on the news e.g Shoaib Sania Marriage News, News of Zardari shaking hands with Sarah Palin and not letting go of her hand etc.
Unfortunately, one most negative aspect of the satellite channels is that they mostly focus on the negative news or only the negative side of the news. But there are so many positive things in Pakistan which the documentary revealed in the last few minutes where it showed Pakistan rankings in the globe which were mostly in top 10 positions in the fields of salt mines, railways, mountain range, ports and much more, and few of those were new to me.
In the end, I would like to conclude by saying that both PTV News and satellite channels news approach in incorrect. They both need to be moderate in the sense that PTV News should not only be focused to the positive and government news but also focus on all the unpleasant news that is happening in the country but unfortunately this cannot happen because it is against the PTV Policy. On the other hand, the satellite channels must tone themselves down a little bit and focus more on the positive side of the news and Pakistan as well.
Regards,
Syed Muhammad Danish
Review of the Movie: Network
The character in the movie failed to follow the media ethics. The reason being the anchors are not supposed to use their channels for their personal interests. Basically, I noticed two things in the movie that were quite prominent. 1) How to make the Positive news a negative one and 2) How to make the Negative news a Positive one which is totally against the media ethics. Basically, the definition of NEWS to me, is the revealing of truth to the masses as it is without adding or deleting a single word which is the true spirit of journalism. But in the movie, the journalists were playing the role of an activist rather than the journalist because they were manipulating the news (Both Negative and Positive News) in order to gain popularity for themselves and for their channel. By doing so, naturally their channel ratings went up and the channel started making money. On the other hand, the viewers were totally misguided because they were not getting the truth, rather they were getting the manipulated news which was beneficial to only few stakeholders which is totally unethical & illegal.
Regards,
Syed Muhammad Danish
Regards,
Syed Muhammad Danish
DOCUMENTARY REVIEW Media nama-tab or abb
Media nama-tab or ab is the comparison of the today’s media and the media at the time of 1990s. It was divided into two parts; one depicting the media at the time of 1990s whereas the second part was showing the media to date.
it started with the color tone, followed by the national anthem and NTM logo and then advertisement of tapal tea, after which the News aired at 9:00 pm started. The graphics used were very simple and the background music was soothing to the ears. The newscasters were in formal attires with impressive pitch and tone. News were simple and portraying calm and serene image of Pakistan.
The second part showed the situation of news channels of today, which starts with a roaring background music, dynamic graphics, rich color palette. News casters are well dressed but mostly with fretful tone and pitch and always starting with breaking news.
The whole scenario gives the clear image of the race of earning TRPs, as today viewers have a number of options of flipping the channels, where as it was not the case in the time of 90s.
Most of the channels are trying to attract the news with glamour and beauty of the newscasters and every next second giving a breaking news, to make the audience stick to their channel.
Regards,
Roshni Zahid
it started with the color tone, followed by the national anthem and NTM logo and then advertisement of tapal tea, after which the News aired at 9:00 pm started. The graphics used were very simple and the background music was soothing to the ears. The newscasters were in formal attires with impressive pitch and tone. News were simple and portraying calm and serene image of Pakistan.
The second part showed the situation of news channels of today, which starts with a roaring background music, dynamic graphics, rich color palette. News casters are well dressed but mostly with fretful tone and pitch and always starting with breaking news.
The whole scenario gives the clear image of the race of earning TRPs, as today viewers have a number of options of flipping the channels, where as it was not the case in the time of 90s.
Most of the channels are trying to attract the news with glamour and beauty of the newscasters and every next second giving a breaking news, to make the audience stick to their channel.
Regards,
Roshni Zahid
Review: Media Nama “Tab aur Aab”
It was a nice attempt made by the makers of this documentary to show the comparison between past and the current model of how the news and the media presentations have changed. They took a trip down memory lane going back a decade ago when there were only two channels available for the audience which they had to believe and bear.
Now, although we have a huge variety of channels to swap but in real term we are in the same place as we were, LOST and MISINFORMED. Reason why I am saying is because before it was two channels that were controlled which never used to inform the true findings and now there are many uncontrolled which also make do the same by mixing and making the information so much biased and one sided due to activism.
As in this documentary, there have been clips that show that the media especially the news has become very commercial and the leading news channels like GEO NEWS and EXPRESS NEWS works largely on adding up spices and the way they say, looks more like a drama then a serious news broadcast.
Although, we see and say that media has much freedom of expression then before, that’s true. But this freedom is being used and exploited very badly to uplift their shops and bringing new blend of propaganda and controversies.
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
Now, although we have a huge variety of channels to swap but in real term we are in the same place as we were, LOST and MISINFORMED. Reason why I am saying is because before it was two channels that were controlled which never used to inform the true findings and now there are many uncontrolled which also make do the same by mixing and making the information so much biased and one sided due to activism.
As in this documentary, there have been clips that show that the media especially the news has become very commercial and the leading news channels like GEO NEWS and EXPRESS NEWS works largely on adding up spices and the way they say, looks more like a drama then a serious news broadcast.
Although, we see and say that media has much freedom of expression then before, that’s true. But this freedom is being used and exploited very badly to uplift their shops and bringing new blend of propaganda and controversies.
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
PEMRA
The promulgation of Ordinance, by the Federal Government, established an Authority which is known as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for carrying out the purposes of this Ordinance.
This does not ensure that the implementation of law is maintained and controlled in the true spirit, for a simple reason because the enforcement is not safe guarded by the authority as the execution lies in the hand of some shadow dancers.
The basis of creation of our country is Islamic State and majority of the electronic channels, clearly violates in most of the cases for mere monetary benefits. Beside violation of our cultural and social values which is evident from the dramas and songs having great influx of either Hindu culture or Western brunt.
We have our own identity as a Muslim State which needs to be projected in the best interest of our new generation. In my opinion its also one of the most vital role of PEMRA to regulate this but unfortunately they are too busy with issuing termination notices to channels again and again that are working for the masses.
Moreover all channels must be free to televise any information which is beneficial for the commoners as well as the elite class equally.
The control of Government to propagate their vested views is controlled by this clause, which is quiet unfair:
This does not ensure that the implementation of law is maintained and controlled in the true spirit, for a simple reason because the enforcement is not safe guarded by the authority as the execution lies in the hand of some shadow dancers.
The basis of creation of our country is Islamic State and majority of the electronic channels, clearly violates in most of the cases for mere monetary benefits. Beside violation of our cultural and social values which is evident from the dramas and songs having great influx of either Hindu culture or Western brunt.
We have our own identity as a Muslim State which needs to be projected in the best interest of our new generation. In my opinion its also one of the most vital role of PEMRA to regulate this but unfortunately they are too busy with issuing termination notices to channels again and again that are working for the masses.
Moreover all channels must be free to televise any information which is beneficial for the commoners as well as the elite class equally.
The control of Government to propagate their vested views is controlled by this clause, which is quiet unfair:
“The Federal Government may, as and when it considers necessary, issue directives to the Authority on matters of policy, and such directives shall be binding on the Authority, and if a question arises whether any matter is a matter of policy or not, the decision of the Federal Government shall be final”
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
Network
This movie is a very clear depiction of what actually happens behind curtains of the news room. Network is all about giving the audience a unique exposure which very few documentaries or movies have ever highlighted.
From changing the theme of a news program to a social propaganda show, from changing a positive news to a negative news and vice versa , from making deals with a group of radical left-wing terrorists who film themselves robbing banks, footage to be used as a new series based on terrorists.
The movie also showed what the horrible end of such hungry people for money and fame, who have killed their consciousness and left their professional values for the sake of getting to the top and being in the lime light. (The Producer of entertainment programming, Diana Christensen's (Faye Dunaway)
Talking about the mad social prophet who realized the power of media and wanted to bring a change in the monotonous ideology of the public also had to be taken off from the screen. Besides the fact that the gate keepers and the owners of the media used him a lot making ratings and revenues, but this man Howard Beale (Peter Finch), was becoming a pain for them and eventually these shadow dancers made him dead.
Now the question remains will this a ongoing practices of these shadow dancers to eliminate anyone and everyone who comes in between their ferocious agenda???
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
From changing the theme of a news program to a social propaganda show, from changing a positive news to a negative news and vice versa , from making deals with a group of radical left-wing terrorists who film themselves robbing banks, footage to be used as a new series based on terrorists.
The movie also showed what the horrible end of such hungry people for money and fame, who have killed their consciousness and left their professional values for the sake of getting to the top and being in the lime light. (The Producer of entertainment programming, Diana Christensen's (Faye Dunaway)
Talking about the mad social prophet who realized the power of media and wanted to bring a change in the monotonous ideology of the public also had to be taken off from the screen. Besides the fact that the gate keepers and the owners of the media used him a lot making ratings and revenues, but this man Howard Beale (Peter Finch), was becoming a pain for them and eventually these shadow dancers made him dead.
Now the question remains will this a ongoing practices of these shadow dancers to eliminate anyone and everyone who comes in between their ferocious agenda???
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
Journalism vs. Activism
The main issue is that journalism became a branding exercise, and brands have longevity. People still trust what they hear on TV because there's this assumption that there's fact checkers in place and that news networks are legitimately competing to gain your trust.
Previously people used to see what is being said rather who is saying it. But now the scenario has changed and people focus more on who is saying and on which platform he or she is. Our yardstick has tremendously declined to a mere materialistic level showbiz which is “to biz u need to show”.
Today, it’s easier to have someone feed you news than employ journalists to go out and look for it because these opinion idols knows it well that today’s media works as a hypodermic syringe in the minds of the public.
For the public like this what is the difference between activism and journalism merely matters now and they don’t really bother to know or to explore the truth.
One day our so called media journalists take our attention to an issue from one side and in few days when they are told or they want, they totally change the mindset and thinking of these poor audience to an opposite side like in the recent case of the two brother killed in Sialkot.
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
Previously people used to see what is being said rather who is saying it. But now the scenario has changed and people focus more on who is saying and on which platform he or she is. Our yardstick has tremendously declined to a mere materialistic level showbiz which is “to biz u need to show”.
Today, it’s easier to have someone feed you news than employ journalists to go out and look for it because these opinion idols knows it well that today’s media works as a hypodermic syringe in the minds of the public.
For the public like this what is the difference between activism and journalism merely matters now and they don’t really bother to know or to explore the truth.
One day our so called media journalists take our attention to an issue from one side and in few days when they are told or they want, they totally change the mindset and thinking of these poor audience to an opposite side like in the recent case of the two brother killed in Sialkot.
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
Copyright
In today’s world copyright itself is not a big issue anymore, in fact its implementation is. With this rapidly growing technological era it has become very inevitable to restrain the piracy and maintain the copyright and privacy of any work, be it movie, book, report, documentary, photo or software.
Pakistan topping the list in making copy of every IT software and not only this its widely spread for music and movies as well. Although Pakistan has its copyright ordinance of 1962 but it’s also like other laws and orders which were made but never implemented completely.
The civic sense and social individual responsibility is missing among us which is constantly giving rise to this uncontrollable phenomenon. Strict social order and control should be implemented by the regulatory authorities especially the Law and the state by giving exemplary punishments to abide these unethical activities. This has to be dealt individually in each country.
Moreover, other tools of maintaining the order and control can be used like fixing particular fees, passwords, penalties or pay per view like restrictions. Some of the European countries are following these strategies very religiously and these activities are therefore banned in most parts of the globe.
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
Pakistan topping the list in making copy of every IT software and not only this its widely spread for music and movies as well. Although Pakistan has its copyright ordinance of 1962 but it’s also like other laws and orders which were made but never implemented completely.
The civic sense and social individual responsibility is missing among us which is constantly giving rise to this uncontrollable phenomenon. Strict social order and control should be implemented by the regulatory authorities especially the Law and the state by giving exemplary punishments to abide these unethical activities. This has to be dealt individually in each country.
Moreover, other tools of maintaining the order and control can be used like fixing particular fees, passwords, penalties or pay per view like restrictions. Some of the European countries are following these strategies very religiously and these activities are therefore banned in most parts of the globe.
Regards,
Muhammad Munib Lodhi
JOURNALISM Vs. ACTIVISM
Journalism is defined as the investigation and reporting of any sort of news related to any category i.e politics, law and order, business, sports, entertainment, cultural etc. to the masses. A true journalist is supposed to convey the truth as it is, without adding or deleting any information from that particular news just for the benefit of a particular stakeholder.
On the other hand, activism is defined as an intentional action or inaction to bring about social or political change in the society for the benefit of a particular stakeholder. This action is in support of or in opposition to one side of an often controversial argument. The purpose of activism is to bring about change in social, political, environmental or other category. A person can either follow journalism or activism but can not follow both at the same time.
The movie “Network” is a very good example of Activism, in which the anchorperson was using his channel in order to promote himself, his show and the overall ratings of his channel in order to make more money to the channel and at the same time, he was succeeded to bring about a change in the minds of his viewers
Regards,
Syed Muhammad Danish
On the other hand, activism is defined as an intentional action or inaction to bring about social or political change in the society for the benefit of a particular stakeholder. This action is in support of or in opposition to one side of an often controversial argument. The purpose of activism is to bring about change in social, political, environmental or other category. A person can either follow journalism or activism but can not follow both at the same time.
The movie “Network” is a very good example of Activism, in which the anchorperson was using his channel in order to promote himself, his show and the overall ratings of his channel in order to make more money to the channel and at the same time, he was succeeded to bring about a change in the minds of his viewers
Regards,
Syed Muhammad Danish
Copyrights
Pakistan’s copy write act is know as the “Intellectual Property Act”, which was established in 1962 which was initially protecting the print media only. It was then amended in 1964 which covered the electronic media as well meaning that all the audios and videos are copy write protected. This law was again amended to meet the international standards in 2000. This law protects all the international products that are copy write protected from international copy write agencies and are marketed in Pakistan. But unfortunately, there is a loop hole in it which is as follows:
If a product is not copy write protected by the international copy write agency and is copy write protected locally by some country outside Pakistan, then Pakistan’s copy write act is unable to protect that particular product. Meaning that the product can be marketed, copied or sold in Pakistani markets without the fear of getting sued or penalized. So in this case, if the owner wants to protect his product in Pakistan, then he must pay the license fee to the copy write agency of Pakistan.
Another loop hole is that if the piracy is done and no profits are earned out of that piracy, then the copy write law is useless means that the owner can not sue the person involved in the piracy of that product. For example, in Pakistan, most of the cable operators are downloading movies, songs, plays and all this sort of stuff for their clients and users for free in order to promote themselves but they are not selling those videos and just putting on their server for their clients. So in this case, copy write law is useless.
Regards,
Syed Muhammad Danish
If a product is not copy write protected by the international copy write agency and is copy write protected locally by some country outside Pakistan, then Pakistan’s copy write act is unable to protect that particular product. Meaning that the product can be marketed, copied or sold in Pakistani markets without the fear of getting sued or penalized. So in this case, if the owner wants to protect his product in Pakistan, then he must pay the license fee to the copy write agency of Pakistan.
Another loop hole is that if the piracy is done and no profits are earned out of that piracy, then the copy write law is useless means that the owner can not sue the person involved in the piracy of that product. For example, in Pakistan, most of the cable operators are downloading movies, songs, plays and all this sort of stuff for their clients and users for free in order to promote themselves but they are not selling those videos and just putting on their server for their clients. So in this case, copy write law is useless.
Regards,
Syed Muhammad Danish
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