Exercise greater vigilance for inappropriate content
Source: Guyana Chronicle
…GNBA to broadcasters
CONSEQUENT upon some citizens making inappropriate remarks during live call-in programmes, the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is urging broadcasters to be especially vigilant during the elections period.
The GNBA in a press release said that it is cognisant of the reality that during the elections period tensions and emotions are heightened. Thus, it is the responsibility of broadcasters to ensure that broadcast content reflects the principles and core tenets outlined in the Broadcasting Act of 2011.
The GNBA added that it continues to record instances when callers make inappropriate remarks during live call-in programmes and programme moderators fail to caution callers against inflammatory content or to immediately discontinue such calls.
The authority reminded radio stations of the need for stations to incorporate a delay mechanism to screen inappropriate content. Broadcasters are reminded also that they are accountable under the Broadcasting Act and Broadcasting Licence for all content that is broadcast.
Further, the GNBA has observed recently that some stations are airing live political rallies; it is also cognisant of the provision for freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of Guyana, together with the accepted understanding that election campaigns provide an occasion whereby political views and positions on governance are freely expressed as part of the democratic process. However, utterances that are designed to, or are likely to incite public clamorous behaviour, racial mistrust and misinformation, should be avoided by broadcasters.
Airing live political meetings leaves the broadcaster exposed to broadcasting violations under the Broadcasting Act, which does not cater for the latitude of language used at live political rallies.
Finally, the GNBA said that it remains optimistic that broadcasters will incorporate the necessary systems and practices at their respective stations to ensure that broadcast content is effectively reviewed before screening during this sensitive period in the country.
