Dear Editor,
I like to keep abreast of things happening in Guyana and the world at large, so I listen to, read and watch the news.
I start my day listening to the 7:00 O’clock news on the Voice of Guyana (VOG). I am enlightened here about things that happened late the previous day.
The after newscast “Gaff” between Ron Robinson and the announcer also helps to disseminate useful information and advice. I think this was the brainchild of Wanita Huburn.
My newspaper of choice is the Stabroek News, which I purchase early in the day. Through this medium I am informed of local developments, regional highlights, international happenings, court news and sports. The letter column is very thought provoking and helps to shape or reinforce my opinion on certain issues. I am also provided with a crisp editorial.
Depending on my schedule, I sometimes watch Channel 9’s “First look news” at midday. Malika does an excellent job in reporting the news but I have a grouse with their programme scheduling.
A movie is often interrupted to bring the news. Added to this, some other programmes are abruptly cut to bring on others. Channel 9 needs to better manage the half hour/hourly scheduling of programmes so there will be no overlapping.
My news day continues with Prime News still on Channel 9. Effective coverage is evident here with reporters following up to get to the heart of a story.
There is no bias here but I prefer Nazima presenting the news. Sorry ‘J.J’. Here again proper scheduling is sometimes a problem.
I conclude my news day on Channel 28 with the Evening News. Years ago during the Tommy Rhodes/Roy Babel era, there was ample news coverage, Commentary was a must. Today things have changed. This Newscast touted as Guyana’s No. 1 is now a programme of advertisements. Frequently during the newscast, Petal sweetly appeals for us to ‘Please stay tuned, we’ll be back after these messages’.
When I decided to write this letter I took a three-day sample of the newscast. On Wednesday September 10th, a newscast of thirty minutes carried four pieces of news and twenty-three commercials. On Thursday 11th in thirty- five minutes we received eight pieces of news and twenty-two commercials. For forty minutes on Friday September 12th, thirty-three commercials overshadowed eight news items. Come on Tony, you can do better than that. Is this all Paul, Michael and Melissa are capable of? I doubt that.
I understand you’re committed to Turner Broadcasting Network but let the newscast deliver news.
It is said that ingratitude is worse than witchcraft, so before anyone objects, I know television is free and sponsorship/advertising is vital. However let the main content be reflective of the programme. Another thing, both Petal and Nazima report the time incorrectly. When you are using the 24-hour clock system and you are not in the military, the hours and minutes are separated. Therefore 6.30 am would be reported as 6 hours 30, 6.30 pm would be 18 hrs 30. It should never be read as six thirty hours. Also 5.00/17:00hrs is read as 17 hours and not seventeen hundred hours.
I had to sacrifice Capitol News after being accused of commandeering the television. Sorry “Rico”, after a movie and a good night’s rest I am ready to start all over again.
Yours faithfully,
L Dunsford Dickson
