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April 17, 2018

by GNBA

Press Release- Broadcasters to include Advisories and Disclaimers before and after programmes as required

The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) advises broadcasters to develop a system where advisories are placed before programmes where graphic human images are screened. These may include images in medical or other types of programmes. Broadcasters are also encouraged to place disclaimers after programmes are aired, to guide viewers appropriately as to those responsible for the content and message provided within sensitive programmes.

The following are suggested wordings for advisories and warnings, according to the Guidelines for Broadcasters:

“The following programme deals with mature subject matter and is intended for adult audiences. Viewer discretion is advised”
“The following programme deals with mature subject matter and contains scenes of nudity and coarse language. Viewer discretion is advised.”
“The following programme contains scenes of coarse language and is not suitable for younger children.”
“The following programme contains sexually explicit material intended for adult audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.”
“The following programme contains sexually explicit material. Viewer discretion is advised.”
The following programme contains scenes of violence, coarse language and nudity intended for adult audiences. Viewer discretion is advised”.

Television broadcasters also need to display their station logos on screen in keeping with best broadcasting practices. Radio stations also need to follow similar practices, in keeping with their audio tag. The Authority, therefore, requests that television broadcasters display their station logos at least once every fifteen minutes. During broadcast for radio broadcasters, the name of stations should also be announced once every fifteen minutes. Additionally, the audio levels for Advertisements should not exceed those heard within the programmes that they are featured.

The Authority continues to reiterate the need for broadcasters to familiarize themselves with the broadcasting law and particularly, the Guidelines for Broadcasters. These documents are accessible on our website (gnba.gov.gy).GNBA looks forward to broadcasters’ continued cooperation, as we work together for the development of our local broadcasting sector which demonstrates the highest standards of broadcasting.

April 11, 2018

by GNBA

HJ pays GNBA, avoids shutdown

One of the more popular radio stations in Guyana—94.1 Boom FM—owned by Hits and Jams Entertainment has been able to avoid experiencing temporary shutdown resulting from nonpayment of fees.Yesterday, this newspaper published an article quoting Attorney-at-law and Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Agency (GNBA), Leslie Sobers, listing the names of radio stations that are not in financial compliance and will face serious sanctions as a result.Sobers said that only the following are being deemed legal broadcasters :Blackman and Sons, Brutal Group Inc, CNS Sharma, Two Brothers Corporation, Multi Cultural Communication, Kaieteur Radio, I-Radio, Pinnacle Radio, Freedom Radio, Radio Guyana Inc, Little Rock Radio and NTN Radio. Kaieteur News stated that notably absent from that list were National Communications Network and Hits and Jams Radio.
Yesterday, both entities issued almost identical statements seeking to discredit the information reflected in the article. The outlets went as far as to demand an apology.
NCN’s statement read, “We take our financial obligations to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) very seriously and are currently up-to-date on all 2017 fees owed to the GNBA for all three of our radio stations.”

GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers

The statement continued, “We regret this move by Kaieteur News to publish false information about our financial standing without seeking a comment from us for clarity. We expect nothing less than an apology as prominent as the false headline on their front page.”
NCN went even further as to state, “We advise the GNBA to be circumspect when sharing sensitive information. It is widely known that Kaieteur News was recently awarded their own licence for radio broadcasting. Finally, we advise all our clients and advertisers that we are fully compliant with the GNBA and look forward to building stronger partnerships.”
HJ’s release was similar but that entity did not issue any advice to the GNBA.
Sobers was contacted by Kaieteur News. He said, “GNBA and the Board of Directors thereof do not make statements that cannot be supported. Any statement made in relation to broadcasters compliance with the finances, the broadcast policy or their obligations under the laws of this country as it relates to content can be backed and supported by strong evidence. I am not interested in any public relations or cover up.”
Sobers said, too, that as of Monday afternoon when he provided the list of compliant radio stations to this newspapers, HJ Radio and NCN were not on that list.
Sobers said that when he went into the Authority yesterday, he was told that HJ has “sorted themselves out.” Sobers said that this does not mean that HJ is fully in compliance but means that the radio station will not face any sanctions now.
“I will not give figures but I will tell you that the arrangement is not one that renders HJ totally in the clear but one that makes them qualified to be deemed them compliant and avoid sanctions,” said Sobers.
Sources at HJ said that a cheque was issued Friday last.
NCN however, despite the strong statement, is, according to Sobers, still not in compliance.
Sobers said that NCN’s finance is now under scrutiny. Payments were made by NCN for both radio and television for 2017 but the company is still in arrears for 2018.

Sobers said that other Broadcasters are still to pay up or make arrangements to do so. These include six TV Broadcasters, four cable and four radio, including NCN and Wireless Radio.
He said that some broadcasters made efforts on Friday, and Monday to either pay off their fees, while others entered into a payment scheme with the Authority. This is after this newspaper published a page one story highlighting imminent shutdown for stations that are not in financial compliance.
On Monday, Sobers said that GNBA was grateful that some broadcasters paid off, as it is not the desire of the authority to take stations off air. However, he said, “We have been patient and now it is time for us to take necessary measures.”
The GNBA Chairman said that radio stations that continue to operate while owing are doing so illegally and “in the very near future, we will make moves to take them off air. “
Sobers was keen to note, “When I say in the very near future, I mean in coming days, not weeks.”
Kaieteur News understands that those who are yet to pay their fees owe millions of dollars.
Last week, Sobers told Kaieteur News that at the beginning of the year, he met with all broadcasters—television and radio. During his meeting with radio broadcasters, Sobers informed them of the Board’s decision to facilitate a payment scheme that they should take advantage of to fulfill their financial obligations.
The Board decided to have all broadcasters, individually, pay half of their debt within the first quarter of the year, giving them the rest of the year to pay the balance in monthly installments.
But the first quarter elapsed without all broadcasters coming in financial compliance.
Sobers said that one broadcaster, whom he did not name, cried out that he cannot make the payment.
The broadcaster reportedly indicated that he will be filing for bankruptcy. Sobers said, “That will not stop us; we will still be going after him. We cannot allow him to come and operate here, make money, claim he folded, and go away with all the money he owes us.”

Article by: Kaieteur News

April 6, 2018

by GNBA

Several radio operations face imminent shutdown as Broadcasting Authority gets tough for non-compliance

Even the longest rope has an end. That idiom is a stark reminder of the position taken by the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) which has decided to publish a list of all non-compliant broadcasters who as a result of their errant ways will no longer be allowed to operate.Kaieteur News understands that a number of radio broadcasters owe millions of dollars to the GNBA, representing backed-up licence fees.
At the beginning of the year, GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers met with all broadcasters television and radio. During his meeting with radio broadcasters, Sobers informed them of the Board’s decision to facilitate a payment scheme that they should take advantage of to fulfill their financial obligations.

The Board decided to have all broadcasters, individually, pay half of their debt within the first quarter of the year, giving them the rest of the year to pay the balance in monthly installments.Now that the first quarter is finished, most broadcasters are reportedly still out of financial compliance, and Sobers spoke to Kaieteur News yesterday about the developments that will follow as a result. He said that some broadcasters made attempts to clear their debts while others chose to ignore the generous provision offered by the authority. Sobers indicated that one broadcaster, whom he did not name, cried out that he cannot make the payment.The broadcaster reportedly indicated that he will be filing for bankruptcy. Sobers said, “That will not stop us; we will still be going after him. We cannot allow him to come and operate here, make money, claim he folded and go away with all the money he owes us. “

The Board, according to Sobers, had made a decision that something had to be done and gave the subcommittee, with responsibility for licence fee and legal issues, a mandate to take the necessary appropriate action.
The committee had a meeting yesterday to decide what form of “appropriate action” must be taken. Sobers, who is also the chairman of that committee, said that by the end of the working day today, the GNBA will prepare a list of all non-compliant broadcasters. That list will be published on Monday in the various newspapers. Sobers said that when that list is published, all noted broadcasters will be immediately considered illegal and they will not be granted their 2018 licences. Sobers said that strict action, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations, will be taken against those who continue to broadcast despite being deemed non-complaint. Measures to be taken can include the seizing of equipment.

Sobers said that once the list is published, broadcasters will have to pay off all the money owed to the authority before having the opportunity to resume broadcasting.“The deal will then be off the table. The first quarter is finished and we have been more than reasonable with them.”Sobers was tight lipped about the names of the broadcasters. But this newspaper understands that very popular radio stations are likely to make the list of non-compliant broadcasting agencies.

Source: Kaieteur News

April 3, 2018

by GNBA

TV stations red-flagged for breaching licence

…GNBA notes sensational, lewd content

THE Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has reported that broadcasters continue to breach the amended Broadcasting Act.

According to a press statement from the authority, their Monitoring and Compliance Department detected serious breaches of the Act, especially over the past three months.
“These breaches fall within the categories of the potential to mislead, promote negative behaviour and offend public sensibilities,” the GNBA said.

Common examples include sensational content highlighting visible suffering and distress; close-up video footage of undignified images of the dead or those seriously injured; prime-time programmes between 06.00hrs -20.00hrs which promote the use of alcohol; dangerous and self-harming behavior; violence and crime; offensive language; sexually explicit material; indecent language and nudity.

The authority also noted inaccuracies or imbalance in the presentation of political or industrial controversies; interpretation of current public policy; news and current affairs; and the use of personal views and opinions as if they were facts.
“On average, the Monitoring and Compliance Department records a total of 27 red lined (most serious) infractions within a one-month period,” the authority said.
Broadcasters were reminded that such infractions have significant and far-reaching implications and can lead to severe penalties.

The authority cautioned broadcasters to take more care in ensuring that content is diligently screened before it is aired, especially music and movie.

“Ensure that immediate action is taken during live programmes to correct, caution or disconnect callers who are abusive or who spew misinformation and disparaging remarks on others; make sure that callers’ IDs be displayed and a delayed broadcasting mechanism be introduced in their stations, so that information may be edited before screening and malicious callers with unsavoury intentions be avoided,” the GNBA advised.

Broadcasters and the public can visit the GNBA website at gnba.gov.gy for any information and guidance necessary, in keeping with the broadcasting laws and guidelines.

Source: Guyana Chronicle.

March 29, 2018

by GNBA

Press Release

MARCH 29, 2018

The GNBA has announced that some broadcasters continue Serious Breaches of the Broadcasting Act and its 2017 Amendment on a daily basis.

GNBA has announced that its Monitoring and Compliance Department has observed and recorded a steady flow of serious breaches to the Broadcasting Act 2011 and its 2017 Amendment for the first three months of 2018.

These breaches fall within the categories of the ‘potential to mislead’, ‘promote negative behaviours and ‘offend public sensibilities’.

Common examples include: sensational content highlighting visible suffering and distress; close-up video footage of undignified images of the dead or those seriously injured; prime-time programmes (6.00h -20.00h ) which promote the use of alcohol ; dangerous and self-harming behaviour; violence and crime; offensive language; sexually explicit material; indecent language and nudity.

The Authority also notes inaccuracies or imbalance in the presentation of political or industrial controversies; interpretation of current public policy; news and current affairs; and, the use of personal views and opinions as if they were facts.

On average, the Monitoring and Compliance Department records a total of 27 Red lined (most serious) infractions within a one-month period.

Broadcasters are reminded that such infractions have significant and far reaching implications and can lead to severe penalties.

The Authority therefore requests that broadcasters take more care in ensuring the following:

content is diligently screened before airing , especially music and movies;
immediate action is taken during live programmes to correct, caution or disconnect callers who are abusive or who spew misinformation and disparaging remarks on others
that callers’ IDs be displayed and a delayed broadcasting mechanism be introduced in their stations, so that information may be edited before screening and malicious callers with unsavory intentions be avoided.

As the GNBA continues to exercise its core mandate to regulate, supervise and develop the broadcasting sector, we encourage broadcasters and the general public to visit our website at gnba.gov.gy for any information and guidance necessary, in keeping with the Broadcasting laws and Guidelines. GNBA welcomes all feedback from broadcasters and the Guyanese listening and viewing public on these matters.

March 28, 2018

by GNBA

Community radio stations aim to empower citizens, promote greater inclusivity -President Granger says at commissioning of Radio Orealla

Georgetown, Guyana – (March 26, 2018) President David Granger said that the Regional Public Broadcasting Services are intended to empower citizens at the grassroots level through the creation of a more informed populace, the removal of inequality, encouraging greater participation and inclusivity in decision making on important national matters and improving village economies by giving residents a conduit through which they can promote their product and services to attract wider markets.

Speaking at the commissioning of Radio Orealla, the Head of State said that, “We are pursuing service to the people… This is an innovative programme and at the end of it every region is going to have a Regional Broadcasting Service Station. We are going to ensure that the entire Republic of Guyana is connected. Every Guyanese, everywhere he or she might go must be in touch with his national broadcasting service… Wherever you are in Guyana you must be able to tune to your National Broadcasting Service. Why? Because it is a public good. This service is not look after some personality or not to conduct propaganda,” he said.

He explained that access to reliable and accurate public information can play a significant role transforming communities, noting that this radio station will ensure that residents have up to date information on issues such as registration, voting, healthcare, education, citizenship, security and the environment. “It is impossible to overemphasise the importance of today’s activity. We are bringing a means of public information into this beautiful community. This event is…is not a one-shot, it is part of a total programme that will see the entire Republic of Guyana covered with this Regional Public Broadcasting Service…We are unleashing in Orealla today, the power of radio, the power of communication,” President Granger said.

Guyana and Suriname are the only two CARICOM countries that touch each other via the Corentyne River along which, Orealla, Siparuta and other riverine communities, are located. The President said that are important locations and the Government has an obligation to ensure that residents who reside in these communities, have access to all vital public services. “This village is important to us. This region is important to us and we are concerned about your welfare and your happiness… This radio will help you to participate fully in the economic life of the country and also to improve your own economic livelihood… Radio has always had a special place in the Guyanese community and it’s a shame that it has taken so long to come to certain communities,” the Head of State said.

Chairman of the Board of the National Communications Network (NCN), Mr. Enrico Woolford said that Radio Orealla, which will be transmitted via the 95.1FM frequency, will serve Orealla, Siparuta and other surrounding communities, allowing them to tell their own stories. He also informed that NCN is working to revitalise and reform its radio, television and online presence. He noted too, that community radio stations are meant to be exactly what the name implies, keeping the communities informed. “NCN believes in the relevance of radio for keeping people informed and connected and as a conduit to expose and display talents,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Coordinator of the Project, Mr. Rovin Deodat, who spoke of the positive impacts and endless opportunities a radio station can have on a community that was hitherto, cut off from the mainstream. “The coast was only the recipient of broadcast. This programme is part of a stated policy of the Government to include every single Guyanese…It is an investment that will be well paid off over time,” he said.

The building that houses this new radio station is brand new. However, NCN was able to save millions of dollars as a result of a strategic partnership with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT). GTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Justin Nedd said that when his company was approached by the Prime Minister’s Office and NCN to host the radio station’s antenna on their transmission tower, they readily agreed because initiatives such as these fulfil a mandate that share with the Government, to improve communication in hinterland communities.

GTT invested in Orealla six years ago when it first installed the tower. In 2015, significant upgrades were done at the tower, which resulted in residents of Orealla benefitting from internet access via their smartphones.

Orealla Toshao, Mr. David Henry expressed his communities appreciation to the Government for this investment, which he believes, will open doors for the youths and provide residents with the long-awaited opportunity to promote their religion, economic and natural resources, way of life and tourism potential. He also informed that under the current Administration, Orealla has benefitted from an extended electrification programme and extension of their playground. Additionally, they have received a grant for the construction of a new stelling and will benefit from the services of a new water ambulance.

The advent of a radio station is a matter of great pride for residents of Orealla. Ms. Yvette Henry described today’s activity as a historic occasion and urged her fellow residents to take ownership of this facility and to ensure that it is used for the benefit of all.

Thus far under the Regional Public Broadcasting Service project, Radio Aishalton, Radio Lethem, Radio Mabaruma, Radio Bartica and Radio Mahdia have already been commissioned.

After the commissioning ceremony, President Granger distributed a quantity of sports gear and kites for the children.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Carl Greenidge, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Ms. Valerie Garrido-Lowe were also in Orealla to celebrate with the residents.