US Ambassador to Guyana Dr. Brent Hardt says while it is encouraging that government has taken steps to free the airwaves and end the model of limited, state-influenced radio, it is important that the process going forward comes under the purview of an impartial and transparent National Broadcasting Authority.
He was speaking yesterday at a reception held at his residence on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, being celebrated today.
“As someone who has seen how vital the radio is to the public square throughout the Caribbean, I must admit that I was genuinely surprised to learn that Guyana had only one radio station,” Hardt said. “Elsewhere in the region, radio news and talk shows are the lifeblood of political and social discourse. I applaud the initial approval last year of 11 new radio broadcasting licences, and look forward to seeing the approval processes for these and other potential stations finalised in the near future,” he said.
He also took aim at those who seek to foist upon the media the responsibility of filtering the news to make it ‘good’ for the development of a country.
“In recent weeks, I have seen some discussion within the media centred on issues of responsibilities of media in the context of a developing country, suggesting that the media censor itself, minimising reporting on crime and corruption, and instead provide `news that would promote development.’ I find such suggestions troubling,” Hardt stated. He noted that while it is vital for the media to do its job well, report accurately, and seek to convey varying perspectives, journalists should not be asking themselves if and how information they report will affect national development.
“Advancing national development is a job for elected representatives, working with the private sector and civil society. The role of the media [is] to bring to the public debate the issues that affect people directly, such as citizen security, corruption, poverty, and violence, so that they can be understood and addressed effectively by governments and legislatures,” he said, adding that it is not a new phenomenon that the relationship between governments and the media is fraught with tension.
Hardt noted that in its 2011-2012 Press Freedom Index, Reporters without Borders ranks Guyana 58th worldwide and reports that Guyana has a satisfactory record in fundamental freedoms, with journalists experiencing very few threats or assaults. “It notes that media concerns are chiefly focused on relations with the government and cites the state monopoly of radio as a major deficiency,” he said.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Hardt said the US was calling on all governments around the world to take the steps necessary to create space for independent journalists to do their work without fear of violence or persecution. Unfortunately, he noted, too many governments attempt to censor the media, directly or indirectly. “We must continue to stand up for those who speak out in perilous circumstances as they pursue, record, and report the truth. That is why we remember on May 3rd each year that journalism is a calling of everyday heroes like you,” Hardt said. “We salute you for your hard work, day in and day out, to bring the news to the people of Guyana, to call attention to social problems and progress, take note of economic developments and challenges, expose corruption, and investigate the facts. We also salute courageous journalists, bloggers, and citizens worldwide who have sacrificed their lives, health, or freedom so that others could know the truth” he said.
Further, Hardt said that in the just released Freedom House rankings covering 2011, Guyana was one of two countries in the Hemisphere that slipped from a ‘Free’ rating to a ‘Partly Free’ ranking, emerging 70th overall. “The report cited heightened political polarisation of the media, verbal intimidation of the media, and politically influenced distribution of licences as core concerns,” he said. He stated that in comparison, the US was ranked 47th by Reporters without Borders and 22nd by Freedom House, with issues noted in threats to media diversity, lack of federal source protection legislation, and detentions of journalists covering the ‘Occupy’ protests.
He said that regarding Guyana‘s current media framework, he has been “greatly impressed” by the variety and scope of media outlets, the vitality of the press in Guyana, and your willingness to take on tough issues. “I have learned much from my daily read of the papers and scan of television news. All of you – journalists, editors, producers, photographers, bloggers, columnists, Facebook friends, and Tweeters – play a vital role in shaping the national conversation. “I should also note that online media and other new forms of communication are reshaping the way people receive, share, and discuss information. I think many were struck by the role that social media played in last year’s elections,” he said.
“The people of the United States, like the people of Guyana, recognise the inestimable value of a free press, especially in our modern world where information is power. In fact, few people can make a living, hold governments accountable, or educate their children without a healthy supply of free flowing information. Citizens, businesses and governments need accurate, timely and independent news they can trust,” Hardt said
