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EU calls for urgent establishment of broadcast authority
– as TV stations, media launch new association
Media executives and key stakeholders in the news business,
New media association launched: From left is US Ambassador, D. Brent Hardt, Maxwell McKay, Channel Seven, Canadian High Commissioner David Devine and EU’s Ambassador, Robert Kopecky.
have banded together in a new association that will advocate for new legislations and work on mechanisms for self-regulations.
During the launching of the Guyana Media Proprietors Association (GMPA) yesterday at the Ocean View International Hotel, Liliendaal, it was also announced that the European Union (EU) has awarded a Euros100, 000 contract to the Association for projects that will enable local media to promote and strengthen human rights and democratic reforms in Guyana.
“The project will also support Guyana’s print and broadcast media, while promoting the facilitation of public dialogue and civic engagement across Guyana,” EU Ambassador, Robert Kopecky told the invitees during the launch.
The money is coming from EU’s European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).
In addition to holding public consultation and engagement, GMPA will also examine the issue of election preparedness- including fair and balanced coverage. Training and the production of print and broadcast materials are also being targeted.
According to Ambassador Kopecky, the role of the media is crucial to the development of any country, including Guyana, and the success of this project depends on all the stakeholders involved, both private and state.
“The quality of the information an individual is able to access will, by necessity, greatly influence his or her ability to participate in the political process. In other words, journalists have a responsibility towards their fellow citizens to provide correct and analytical information.”
He emphasised that freedom of expression and information includes the right to seek, receive, express and disseminate opinions, ideas and information without interference, orally or in writing through any media.
“Freedom of expression and information is therefore a precondition for strong and functioning media. Obviously, governments play an essential role in assuring a thriving media environment. It is indeed heartening to learn that a number of radio licenses have recently been granted by the Government of Guyana.”
The official lauded the fact that Guyana has passed a Broadcast Bill.
“An important aspect of that Bill is the establishment of a Broadcast Authority which will regulate radio and television stations and issue licenses. The early establishment of this authority will be most welcome as it will ensure that the process of regulating all the players is a transparent one which is free from political influence.”
GMPA is a non-governmental organisation that was formally established in April 2010.
The Chairman of GMPA is Jacob Rambarran of RBS Channel 13. Among the Directors are Godfrey Washington of Channel Two, Savitree Singh-Sharma of CNS Channel Six and Charles Griffith.
Also at yesterday’s session were Canadian High Commissioner David Devine, US Ambassador, D. Brent Hardt and representatives of NTN Channel 69 and WRHM Channel 7.
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