By Chevy Devonish
Bibi Shadick, who heads the board for the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), yesterday assured that all broadcasters will be treated equally and in accordance with the law during her tenure.
In light of concern that the composition of the GNBA governing board, with all but one member selected by the Donald Ramotar administration, may see favoritism or partiality in its operations, Shadick told a news conference that all entities will be given a fair chance to obtain their licence, saying she intends to run a completely unbiased operation.
Under the broadcast law, the board is to comprise a Chairman and up to five other members chosen by the President and one member nominated by the Opposition Leader. Apart from Shadick, who is the former Minister of Human Services, the board also includes Margo Boyce, Gerry Gouveia, Norman McLean, Dr Dindial Permaul, Charles Ramson Jr and Sherwood Lowe. Lowe was nominated by Opposition Leader David Granger.
However, the announcement of the board’s membership has generated concern about the process being weighted in the government’s favour, the lack of consultations on those chosen, and the absence of members with expertise in broadcasting.
Responding to questions about whether the method used to select board members might raise suspicions, Shadick said that the mode of selection is mandated by the law itself and as a result is legal.
She added that although those selected may not be specialists in broadcasting, every one of them is an expert in their own right and offers the board a vast array of knowledge and experience.
Shadick also said that the work of the board is largely of an administrative nature and that if there is need for additional administrative or technical assistance, it can be solicited.
Furthermore, she stated that the board is not itself the Broadcast Authority and that when hiring the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other necessary staff for the GNBA, they will ensure that selected candidates possess extensive qualifications including PhDs in their respective areas.
When she was questioned about broadcast licences being granted to new entities before those for which applications would have been pending for up to 15 years, Shadick stated that she was not aware of this situation and why such a decision would have been taken.
No new licences have been distributed under the current Broadcast Act, which was not made operational until August this year.
The news conference, according to Shadick, was held at the behest of the National Communications Network (NCN) to commemorate the International Day of Television.
It was also held to bring the public up to date with the work of the recently formed board, which was brought into existence in accordance with the Broadcast Act of 2011.
Shadick disclosed that the board members have held several discussions amongst themselves as well as meetings with stakeholders to discuss the steps to be taken as is mandated by the Broadcast Act.
Already registered and prospective broadcasters have until the end of January 2013 to submit their applications accompanied by the necessary documentation for processing. She added that considering the timeframe, the GNBA had to take into consideration the fact that all applicants would not be able to provide the relevant documentation by the original deadline. As a result, a meeting was held where all current broadcasters were invited and encouraged to apply for permission to continue broadcasting, which they all did.
She stated that of the 30 licensed broadcasters that exist, all except NCN and the Guyana Learning Channel (GLC) attended the meeting, and that while several have submitted letters declaring interest in acquiring and renewing broadcasting licences, the agency is yet to receive actual applications. However, she explained that the board and current broadcasters have discussed the Act and its policies so that the 2013 licences could be distributed according to the law.
Shadick explained that the delay in applications is most likely due to the fact that the documentation that is needed is quite extensive, since the Broadcast Act would have laid down strict criteria for those desirous of acquiring this license. The criteria include audited financial statements from last year and a plan of what the company intends to do, where and for how long.
According to Shadick the financial statement is particularly important, since fees payable under the Broadcast Act will equate to a percentage of whatever is listed in the financial statement.
However, she said at a meeting held on Tuesday, November 20th, the board decided that letters would be sent to broadcasters urging them to get their necessary documentation in as soon as possible. In addition to this, she said that a decision was taken at the same meeting to meet with religious organisations to discuss the amalgamation of licence distribution to those who may be desirous of having their own broadcasting operations.
Shadick said that the board plans to have a series of meetings during January to address the interests and concerns of various stakeholders. She stated that the GNBA plans to meet with all registered radio broadcasters on January 8th, cable broadcasters on January 9th, and the Guyana Media Proprietors Association on January 11th.
She stated that in the interim, the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) plans to hold public forums to discuss important issues in the broadcast sector, such as the changes from the use of analogue based technology to digitalised broadcasting.
