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Broadcasting Authority briefs broadcasters on tough 2019 – Televised public events, newscasts must have closed captions, sign language interpreters next year
Regulators are moving to making public events more friendly for persons with disabilities, starting next year. In fact, TV newscasts will have to include a sign language interpreter and closed captions until it becomes the norm.
Representatives of broadcasters at the engagement with GNBA yesterday.
This is all part of the updated broadcasting law, which mandates Guyana to have its television operators toe the line.
With over 14,000 persons being visually impaired in the country, there is the obvious consideration that this large grouping has a significant role to play in developing the country.
This assertion was made by Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leslie Sobers yesterday. He was meeting with representatives of the television and radio broadcasters at Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, to brief them of the developments and plans for next year.
Sobers said a new board was appointed last year February with a mandate to specifically craft a strategy for the sector. The authority focused on improving licensing and the fee structures, as well as beef up its Monitoring Unit, part of the all-important Monitoring and Compliance Committee.
The unit is responsible for listening to radio and TV programmes and flagging violations.
The GNBA has been warning operators of several violations, including incitement, showing minors accused of criminal activities, nude scenes at prime time and vulgar lyrics of songs.
GNBA’s Chairman Leslie Sobers (far right) during his presentation yesterday. Sitting are senior GNBA officials.
Several radio station licences were approved, including one for National Media and Broadcasting Company Limited, a sister company of Kaieteur News.
According to Sobers, compliance has been an issue for the authority, with a new fee structure, zoning and new guidelines for broadcasters introduced. There have also been visits to broadcasters to learn more of existing challenges.
According to the Chairman, the authority has also been leading by example for compliance, but also having its accounts up to date. There are cases of broadcasters who are not complying by paying their fees.
GNBA has been patient and has been issuing letters before resorting to legal means.
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