Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Pakistan's Islamist shock jocks face ban on glamorising terrorism


Pakistan's Islamist shock jocks, who are blamed for promoting anti-American conspiracy theories on almost 100 different TV channels, could be silenced by new laws banning shows that glamorise terrorism.

By Rob Crilly in Islamabad

The proposed Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Bill will ban live coverage of militant attacks and the broadcast of anything "defamatory against the organs of the state".

But critics have said the law's broad terms will prohibit criticism of the government and wipe out the controversial shows, which attract millions of viewers.

Reading and Birmingham stand on brink of promotion"There's no doubt about it," said Zaid Hamid, one of the country's best known TV hosts, "the target is programmes like mine."

The issue cuts to the core of modern Pakistan, a conservative Muslim society grappling with democracy after a decade of military rule. The government is struggling to contain a growing extremist threat and knows its position as an ally in the American war on terror puts it at risk of a backlash.

The new type of talk show host finds a ready audience among a population that views the US with suspicion.

With his grey goatee, Mr Hamid is one of the most recognisable - and feared.

He coined the term Hindu Zionist to describe the Israeli and Indian forces he believes are allied in a plot to destabilise Pakistan, and he has repeatedly accused the private military contractor Blackwater (now Xe) of staging bomb blasts blamed on Islamist extremists.

His show, Brass Tacks, was very popular with young people, but was pulled recently after protest from student groups who believed he was intent on creating a cult of personality. He is also under investigation in a murder case, allegations he believes are politically motivated.

Other controversial figures include Hamid Mir, host of "Capital Talk", who is revered as one of Pakistan's most influential journalists.

However, his easy access to militants has led many to question whether he is a sympathiser. A tape surfaced recently of a telephone conversation Mr Mir is alleged to have had with extremists, apparently urging them to kill a hostage. He claims the recording was faked.

Farahnaz Ispahani, a member of the ruling party who sits on the standing committee on information and broadcasting, said the legislation was needed to rein in shows that glamorised violence.

"The problem is that the owners don't give a damn about anything other than ratings, so they want their programmes and news shows to be as sensationalist as possible," she said.

Offenders could be sentenced to up to three years in jail or a fined a maximum of 10 million rupees (about £80,000).

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