Chairperson of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority [GNBA], attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, on Wednesday, underscored the importance of local broadcasters’ compliance with regulations.
Rahamat, who was addressing a stakeholders’ forum at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown, said that in this digital age of rapid advancements in technology and increasingly interconnected global networks, “it is essential that broadcasters adhere to regulations and uphold standards that ensures the integrity, accuracy, and accountability of their content.”
These regulations, the Chairperson said, strike a balance between freedom of speech and protecting individuals and societies from harmful, misleading or offensive content. By complying with these regulations, broadcasters contribute to the creation of an informed, engaged, and well-rounded citizenry.
“Your role in this process cannot be understated, undervalued or neglected. Furthermore, adherence to broadcasting standards and regulations is vital in an increasingly globalized media landscape, which ultimately is the bigger picture”, she said. Rahamat continued, “These standards ensure broadcasters maintain ethical practices, respect cultural diversity through responsible journalism. By adhering to these standards, broadcasters contribute to the development of a unified global media ecosystem where ideas are shared, perspectives explored, and understanding and empathy grow.”
To achieve compliance with broadcasting regulations, Rahamat said that it is crucial that broadcasters establish robust internal policies and procedures aimed at guiding content creation and distribution processes. These policies should encompass guidelines on accuracy, fairness, impartiality, and accountability in reporting, as well as preventative measures against misinformation and hate speech. Additionally, broadcasters should invest in the professional development of their staff, ensuring that the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of regulatory requirements and evolving international broadcasting standards are included within training on journalistic ethics, fact-checking methodologies, and understanding cultural sensitivities. According to Rahamat, technological advancements in content verification and moderation tools enhance monitoring capacities and control content production and distribution.
“These advanced tools can help identify potential breaches of regulations, assess the accuracy and objectivity of information, and prevent the dissemination of harmful or offensive content,” Rahamat noted. Collaboration between broadcasters and regulatory bodies such as the GNBA, Rahamat noted, is essential in achieving compliance and maintaining standards.
“It is against this backdrop that the GNBA has conceived and embarked upon this broadcaster’s engagement and why we are gathered here today… We recognize that regular dialogue and open communication channels enable broadcasters to stay informed about evolving regulations and industry best practices, while also providing them with an opportunity to contribute their expertise and insights in shaping effective regulations that balance freedom of expression with responsible broadcasting,” Rahamat said.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, also addressed the forum and underscored the critical role of Guyana’s broadcasting entities, urging them to uphold the highest standards of responsibility. McCoy emphasised the need for broadcasters to operate at a level that garners admiration both locally and internationally. “We try to work with our broadcasters but then as we think about where we need to be as a society and how much improvement we need in relation to our broadcasting landscape, individual broadcasters must think of how exactly ‘I can contribute to this particular responsibility of mine and development’, so that we can operate at the highest level in our society.”
McCoy also commended the GNBA for its efforts at engaging the stakeholders and elevating the standards of broadcasting. According to McCoy, it is the responsibility of broadcasters to deliver content devoid of misinformation, disinformation, and incitement to violence. Despite ongoing notifications of infractions, he expressed concern over recurring lapses and reminded stakeholders of their duties to educate, inform, and entertain responsibly, while cautioning against misleading narratives on sensitive issues.
“We have a responsibility to our people to make sure that what we educate them on, or inform and entertain them with, it must be with what they can grow, edify and advance with intellectually”, he said. Assuring the GNBA of government’s continued commitment, McCoy re-affirmed government’s goal to achieve and maintain the highest broadcasting standards for the people of Guyana.
