– as media conference ends
In seeking to build a better media environment locally, local operatives and other stakeholders have called for the urgent enactment of Freedom of Information and Broadcasting legislation and the creation of an independent Broadcasting Authority.
In a series of meetings and workshops – though state-media operatives and managers were absent – the stakeholders also committed to the establishment of an effective media self-regulation system with a permanent Media Code of Conduct. Several other recommendations were made and as the final activity, the two-day Guyana Media Sector Conference, wrapped up yesterday, participants committed to working more closely and proactively in the public interest.
The activities, which took place over the course of the past two weeks, have placed the local media on the road to an improved environment in the country, journalist and broadcaster Enrico Woolford said. Speaking on behalf of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), he said that the body is happy to be part of the process and believes that “we ought to step forward in the best manner possible”.
The GPA and the Canadian High Commission were co-sponsors of the events while the United Nations Development Programme also provided financial support. Over 40 individuals representing over 20 organisations met over a total of six days between September 8 and 16 at the Guyana Program Support Unit on Main Street.
A preliminary meeting with media house owners saw them agreeing to form an association to represent the proprietors of print, broadcast and online media and production houses in Guyana. Another meeting with journalists and other stakeholders saw them agreeing to establish a media code of conduct. The virtually silent Media Monitoring Unit also re-surfaced. Not much had been heard from the unit since the 2006 elections.
A concluding conference was held to bring together key players in the media sector to discuss issues of common concern and “explore the potential for a new media governance framework in partnership between government, industry and civil society”. At this conference several recommendations were made including the importance and urgency of passing broadcasting legislation at the earliest opportunity. The communiqué noted that this legislation should create a Broadcasting Authority, defining its duties and powers. The Authority must be independent and objective and its proceedings open and transparent, it noted.
It said that one result of the legislation should be the speedy consideration of new licence applications for private radio stations and the expansion of private television coverage throughout the country. It stressed that new licences should not be given out in the absence of broadcast legislation. “At the same time, the urgent and legitimate constitutional right of the public to receive the widest possible range of media must not continue to be frustrated by further delay in passing legislation.”
The participants said that it is also urgent and important to pass access to information legislation which should exclude as few public agencies as possible. Capacity-building and resources to ensure a strong media industry in Guyana remains a critical concern and every effort should be made at the level of both public policy and concerted action by the industry to address these needs, they noted.
In their joint statement, the GPA, the Canadian High Commission and the Interim Executive Committee of Media House Proprietors said that they unreservedly endorse the findings and will work to ensure that they are implemented in a timely fashion. They also pledged to reach out to their colleagues in the private and state media who were unable to attend to ensure that they are fully involved and are committed to a fully inclusive and co-operative approach with all stakeholders, including government, political parties, civil society groups and the general public.
