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Suspension of CNS 6 licence…Media proprietors say repeal sanction, await court judgment

Oct 07, 2011 News

 

 

The Guyana Media Proprietors Association (GMPA) says that there should be a revocation of the sanctions against CNS Channel 6, and the unreasonably harsh penalty does not fit the infraction
The GMPA in a statement Wednesday recommended that in the culture of democratic states and as a way of ensuring that the human rights of those involved are not violated, that urgent consideration be given to reversing the sanctions, thereby precluding any further national divide and averting any further ridicule of Guyana.
Underscoring that the GMPA is troubled over recent developments in the media industry, the body expressed concern over the imposition of sanctions for infractions in a matter that is before the Courts.
“We are fearful that the proprietors of CNS Channel 6 are liable to be unjustly penalized twice for the same occurrence. The unequivocal preference of the GMPA is that the application to the Courts for redress, a constitutional right of every citizen, by the purportedly injured parties be awaited and that judgment is respected when rendered. The nation’s judicial system is sufficiently robust and is best suited to mediate in such matters and to discharge its findings with fairness and impartiality and without recourse to any form of bias or ill will.”
The association further stated. “The reliance upon the sole discretion of an individual, although humans are often capable of astonishing magnanimity, is sadly to rely upon the fluctuations of the human state and therefore such results are always unpredictable, unreliable and may appear arbitrary and even capricious. Since in this case that discretion is exercised by His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo, who occupies the highest constitutional office, it renders the citizen without recourse to any person or place for an appeal to compassion.”
The GMPA further recommended that the sanctions be repealed with alacrity and that the judgment of the Court be awaited.
Further, it was noted that the timing of the sanctions is extremely problematic, coming at a strategic juncture in the nation’s affairs when citizens require and depend upon the media to provide information about the issues at stake in the regional and national elections which are imminent.
“We hold that the issuance of the sanctions disregards their impact on the public the television station serves; ignores the unsavoury financial consequences to the livelihoods of the staff and proprietors; and is uncaring of the consequential effects upon the number of other citizens who are connected to the economic outputs generated from this service,” the body stated.
“The GMPA strenuously reaffirms its adherence to the fundamental principles of fairness and balance, good taste and decency while serving the public interest. We call upon all our members to exercise diligence in their work and greater oversight in their operations to forestall any likelihood of injury to persons as they vigorously pursue their sacred obligation of providing the citizenry information that allows them to make the best choices in the political, economic, and social dimensions of their lives.
Being cognisant of the evolution of the television industry and mindful of the vital services it now provides the people of Guyana, in spite of serious financial and other operational constraints, the GMPA undertakes the decisive function to work for the rapid development of the television sector and ensuring its growth and maturity through an open, fair, and competitive business environment for the media.
In this regard it wishes to note the recent visit of a Transmission, Studio, and Sound engineer, whose recommendations will be studied with a view of improving the quality of television operations of its members.
Additionally, the GMPA intends to petition for the treatment of the industry as an economic asset generating and capable of generating wealth to the nation through the services it provides.”

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