Hoarding of broadcast frequencies will not be encouraged- GNBA
The Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority’s Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), led a delegation to the six new radio licensees, who were issued licences in January of this year. The Authority’s outreach initiative was geared to monitor the progress of these licensees, with respect to the commencement of radio operations, and to discourage hoarding of radio frequencies.
Throughout the past week, the Authority met with Mr. Christian Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Brutal Group Inc., who disclosed that they are set to launch their multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art radio station MAAD 97.5 FM, in July, 2018. Mr. Duncan facilitated a comprehensive tour of the facility, which from all indications, is well positioned to commence streaming. Subsequent to this visit, GNBA’s delegation met Mr. CN Sharma, proprietor of CNS Inc. Mr. Sharma Indicated that they are currently in the process of procuring the necessary equipment and has assured the Authority, his company will commence operations in the next three months.
Following GNBA’s visit with CNS Inc. the Authority met with Two Brothers Corporation in Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo. This Company is also in the process of securing all the necessary equipment and human resource capacity, to manage the station. Two Brothers Corp. is scheduled to commence radio operations in August, 2018.The Authority then met with National Media & Broadcasting Company Inc. Licensee, Mr. Glenn Lall assured the Authority that he anticipates commencement of operations in a matter of weeks. In addition, he noted that the area allotted for his company’s Radio Operations Room, will have a section (gallery) to host children, visiting the station on school tours, research and for other educational purposes.
The Authority continued on its mission and thereafter met with Pinnacle Communications Inc., located in Kingstown, Georgetown. Technical Representative of the entity Mr. Michael Forde conducted a tour of the facility and noted that the station will be ‘up and running’ by July 31, 2018. Following that visit, the Authority met finally with Ms. Eve Blackman, owner of Blackman & Sons (HBTV Channel 09), and now the recipient of a radio licence, after waiting 20 years. Mr. Blackman assured the GNBA that radio operations will commence in a matter of weeks, however, by June month end the station will be fully operational.
Consequently, the Chairman of the Board and CEO, throughout these outreach exercises, reiterated the importance of utilizing the frequencies and licences granted; and explained the importance of this national resource. Licensees were encouraged to access the necessary Guidelines and other related Legislation on the Authority’s website, and were encouraged to promote indigenous content, in an effort to create and preserve a sense of national identity and pride among our citizenry.
