Press Release
GNBA ADVISES TELEVISION BROADCASTERS TO FOLLOW GUIDELINES WHEN AIRING DEAD BODIES
The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is urging broadcasters to follow the Broadcasting Guidelines, specifically Section 3.2. (d), which prohibits, “The use of close-ups of faces and serious injuries of those who are dead, suffering or in distress.”
However, if the Guyana Police Force requests the assistance of a Broadcaster (s) so as to identify a dead body, a warning must be displayed on screen and read by the host, before broadcasting the image. It can be structured as, “WARINING: The following post contains graphic images that may be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.” However, the image aired must not exceed five seconds.
The GNBA is advising Broadcasters to communicate to the police about what kinds of images are acceptable for them to air. For instance, the face of the deceased should not be bloody and open wounds should not be shown. In general, the images should not be disturbing, graphic or offensive.
Furthermore, the GNBA is urging Broadcasters to continue acquainting themselves with the Guidelines for Broadcasters. This can be accessed on http://gnba.gov.gy/documents/guidelines-for-broad-casters/ or visit our website for more information, gnba.goy.gy
We are optimistic that with full cooperation, we will encompass the highest standards of broadcasting in Guyana.
