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GNBA continues outreach sessions- countryside broadcasting -Berbice
The Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority led a delegation on their second trip to the ancient county of Berbice. The GNBA officials met with the proprietor of Countryside Broadcasting Inc. Channel 19, Mr. David Subnauth, in Springlands Berbice last Friday.This Broadcaster was given an opportunity to explain his challenges with regard to the state and development of his television station and suggested ways the GNBA can assist. One of the major challenges he expressed was the matter of exorbitant fees, the Broadcaster suggested that the GNBA can assist by reducing fees, as well, provide training opportunities for new broadcasters.
GNBA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Prudence Lewis- Bhola brought clarity on aspects of the Broadcasting Act of 2011, with specific reference to the obligation of Broadcasters under the Act. However, the Broadcaster was assured that GNBA’s Board is working on Regulations that may bring relief to all Broadcasters in the near future.
Second from left: Dr. Prudence Lewis-Bhola -GNBA’s CEO. First from right: Mr. Nizam Samad -GNBA’s Accountant . Second from right: Mr. David Subnauth- Proprietor of Countryside Broadcasting. First from left: Ms. Rebecca Connelly- Confidential Secretary to the CEO- GNBA.
More specifically, reference was made to the proposed zoning system our current Board developed, with the goal of ensuring a level playing field among future and existing Broadcasters. GNBA’s Accountant was present on this outreach, and took that opportunity to highlight important financial information; relevant to the responsibilities of the Broadcaster and ways the GNBA can lend support.
The matter of broadcast content was raised by our CEO, it was explained, with reference to Section 19 of the Broadcasting Act of 2011, the standards and requirements that all broadcasters are expected to adhere to when disseminating content to the general public. The Broadcaster was duly sensitized of these standards and was encouraged to develop more local and/or indigenous content for broadcast.
This outreach initiative is expected to continue in the upcoming year. It is the vision and passion of the CEO to deliver services in a manner that is all inclusive, with an approach that first requires listening. Moreover, one that is driven with the objective to add great value to the broadcast sector; in so doing, understanding the sector and its challenges. This GNBA believes is paramount in its overall efforts to develop this vital industry.
by GNBA
GNBA SUCCESSFULLY HOSTED OUTREACH SESSION WITH BERBICE OPERATOR
Officials of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority successfully hosted an outreach session with the management of Dave’s Television Channel 08, in New Amsterdam Berbice, on Monday last. This session was spearheaded by GNBA’s recently appointed Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Prudence Lewis- Bhola. During her introductory presentation, she strategically outlined the purpose for the Authority’s visit, the value GNBA places on its clients and its desire to meet with Broadcasters in an effort to understand their challenges.
Interactive session with Operator
Among many discussions, the CEO was especially clear on the point of the Broadcasting Act of 2011 being that supreme legislation that governs the Broadcasting Sector. She explained that the GNBA operates within the law; and the regulations are derived from the Act. The broadcaster was advised to be familiarized with the Broadcasting Act of 2011. In addition, it was noted that the Regulations are being developed and it is currently at the level of Cabinet, as declared in the media. It was also stated that upon completion of those regulations, it will be gazetted before it becomes effective, so there is some progress in that regard.
The concerns expressed by DTV Channel 08 were carefully recorded and documented for presentation to the Board. The officials acknowledged the concerns expressed. However, the CEO stressed that under the Act, GNBA is expected to call for its fees, if GNBA fails to do so, it would not be delivering in accordance with its mandate.
The Operator was however comforted by the fact that with the impending Regulations, broadcasters will see a relief with specific regard to the payment of fees, given the proposed zoning and fee structures articulated by the Board at its last interactive session.
The CEO further explained that customer’s hardship becomes the Authority’s concerns; she implored the Operator to inform the GNBA of any such challenges, preferably in writing, so that such concerns can be communicated to the Board.The CEO was clear about her management approach; she explained that in any sector, there are stakeholders who should be invited to take part in the process of developing that sector.
This outreach forms part of a broader initiative the CEO proposes for the year 2017. She is especially keen on the approach where inclusivity and/or consultation will be foremost in GNBA’s efforts to regulate, supervise and develop the National Broadcasting System.
by GNBA
GNBA’S NEWLY APPOINTED CEO PARTICIPATED AT INTER-RELIGIOUS CONSULTATION
Dr. Prudence Lewis-Bhola, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority.
Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, Dr. Prudence Lewis Bhola delivered an outstanding presentation on Monday last, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. Her presentation was conducted under the auspices of the Prime Minister; who spearheaded a Consultative Session with stakeholders for the establishment of an Inter- Religious Television Station.
Dr. Lewis-Bhola lauded the Prime Minister’s support for such a television station and spoke extensively about broadcast standards, regulations and compliance requirements for broadcasters. She also noted the potential such a television station has for positive change, she posited that “this religious station has the potential to build and strengthen the moral fabric of the Guyanese society”
“An inter-religious television station can create an environment that fosters peace, national unity, respect among various religious denominations and encourage tolerance among our citizens; particularly, our young impressionable minds that are often influenced by the vulgarity and indecency perpetuated in certain content broadcast on National Television,” Dr. Lewis-Bhola explained.
However, stakeholders were urged to familiarize themselves with the Broadcasting Act of 2011 and were encouraged to demonstrate the requisite level of maturity, tolerance and respect for each other’s beliefs, as they function in an environment this type of television station creates.
The CEO emphasized the mandate of the GNBA to effectively regulate, supervise and develop the National Broadcasting System and provide services of superior quality and value to both the licensing process and for the dissemination of broadcasting content, in the interest of all Guyanese.
Prime Minister and First Vice-President Dr. Moses Nagamootoo who holds ministerial responsibility for Information, explained that, “religion has played a cardinal role in the development of our civilization, it has been the cornerstone for the development of society, so therefore it cannot be ignored.”
The PM further noted that “there is a dire need for radio and television stations that are culturally homogeneous. In Guyana, he stated, the freedom to practice religion is written in the constitution”. However, he warned against the discrimination of one religion against another.
Sharon Patterson, Programme Coordinator of the Ministry of Social Cohesion explained, that the establishment of an inter- religious television station would strengthen the Ministry’s efforts to foster social cohesion in Guyana.
The chairman of the Inter-Religious Organization, Pastor Ronald McGarrell will continue consultations with the various religious bodies, with the aim of fulfilling the Prime Minister’s desire for maximum inclusion of all the religious organs within our nation. The IRO is expected to provide the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority with all the relevant documents to aid in the process of acquiring a broadcast license.
October 18, 2016
by admin
GNBA OFFICIALLY APPOINTS CEO
Dr. Prudence Lewis- Bhola
The Governing Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority has officially appointed Dr. Prudence Lewis- Bhola as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 26 , 2016.According to a press release issued today, possessing a wealth of experience in broadcasting for over a decade and an extensive background in private sector management, “Dr. Lewis- Bhola exemplifies all the requisite skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to successfully execute the mandate of the GNBA.”
Dr. Lewis- Bhola currently holds a doctorate in Transformational Leadership, having completed her doctoral degree in June of 2015 in the United States of America; she also possesses a Bachelor of Laws and a Social Sciences Degree in Communication from the University of Guyana.The newly appointed CEO is convinced that there is much to be done at this time and is eager to make a positive contribution to the GNBA and the broadcast sector as a whole.
“Keenly aware of the issues and challenges of the local broadcast landscape, she is optimistic that much can be achieved from meaningful engagement and collaboration with all stakeholders in the broadcast industry.”
The CEO plans to be proactive and diligent in her efforts to execute the GNBA’s statutory mandate.She has already commenced strategic planning sessions with GNBA’s senior management team and hopes to lead a series of consultative sessions with broadcast operators over the next two months.
Source: http://newsroom.gy
May 13, 2016
by GNBA
THE GUYANA NATIONAL BROADCASTING AUTHORITY SUCCESSFULLY HOSTED ITS FIRST BLOOD DRIVE
Blood Donors- GNBA & NFMU staff Members, including Nurses from the National Blood Transfusion Service
The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, in recognition of the recently concluded Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Month, successfully hosted its first Blood Drive yesterday. This was part of a list of activities planned by its Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
This Blood Drive saw participation from the National Frequency Management Unit; GNBA’s sister agency. Participants included: Managing Director of the NFMU, Mr. Valmikki Singh, including a number of other good Samaritans from the Unit who participated and donated with a smile on their faces.
As the demand for blood continues to exceed supply capacity at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), the GNBA and the NFMU took the challenge of assisting the NBTS in acquiring much-needed blood.
This initiative was well received. Donors were given a Voluntary Blood Donor’s Book and were encouraged to continue to give blood in the future since such a humanitarian gesture saves lives.
The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority continues to embrace the efficacy and importance of health and safety, morale and overall personal development of its staff members.
Administrative Manager and acting CEO of the Broadcasting Authority, Mrs. Violet Boyal, expressed her satisfaction. She views this as a stepping stone for many similar activities to be executed by the Authority in the near future.
