Avoid ethnic labeling, GNBA urges broadcasters
The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has noticed instances of ethnic labeling during observed screening of broadcast content.
It is now urging broadcasters to avoid such practices, the Authority stated in a missive yesterday. GNBA does yearlong screening. However, it noted that recently, there has been an increase in ethnic labeling. GNBA said. “More specifically, this observation was made during the Amerindian Heritage (Month) celebrations; and other ethnically focused celebrations, where ethnic groups were identified with the use of labels that are considered derogatory.”
GNBA is cautioning broadcasters to avoid “such practices. Importantly, the Broadcasting Act of 2011, Section 19, subsection (f) requires broadcasters to ‘safeguard, enrich and strengthen the diverse ethnic, cultural, social and economic fabric of Guyanese society”; and subsection (q) requires broadcasters to ‘ensure compliance with the constitution and laws of Guyana and shall not incite violence, ethnic, religious or cultural hostility”.
GNBA said that content with ethnic or stereotypical labels may have significant implications for social cohesion and may evoke feelings of resentment. This in turn, the Authority believes, has the potential to evoke violence among those impressionable minds in society. “The fact that we reside in a multi-ethnic society, it is imperative that we abstain from such practices,” said GNBA.
As such, the Authority “calls on our valued broadcasters to be sensitive to these issues; and make a concerted effort to prevent its recurrence.”
Source: kaieteur News
