TV channels required to air sign language news under new act
President Dr. Arif Alvi has approved the ‘Access to the Media (Deaf) Persons Act, 2022, under which all private and state-run broadcasters will be required to air news bulletin with sign language interpreters.
“The Act provides that after six months of the commencement of the Act, the Government shall not allow to broadcast any news bulletin on the national broadcaster, state or private run electronic media, private television channels, Cable TV or any other broadcast media without Pakistan sign language interpreters,” said a statement issued by the President Office.
It further warned that, after one year, the government will not allow broadcasting any programme, entertainment, advertisement, talk show, drama, film or any other pictorial segment on the national broadcaster, media, private television channels, cable TV or any other broadcast media without Pakistan sign language interpreters.
The Act directed the government and private media houses to appoint sign language interpreters within six months.
Earlier this year, the bill was accepted unanimously in the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on June 1, 2022.
