Why are religious programmes aired in prime time?

Dear Editor,

TV networks are known for rewarding their viewers with quality programming during the most watched prime-time hours (8-11pm). They only air the best programming during these periods — well, except some of the TV stations in Guyana. Is it fair that NCN for the past couple of weeks has been airing Ramadan programmes, sometimes for hours every night (during the same prime-time period)? Is it fair to do this when the viewing public would rather end their day with a decent movie or something related?

One may say that the sponsors have paid for their programme to be aired at that time, but who is running NCN, the managers or the sponsors? I think NCN Berbice should use some sort of discretion, not only during Ramadan but during Lent and other religious periods. During Lent, the situation is the same. It’s not that we don’t appreciate these religious programmes, but they should be aired earlier so that viewers can enjoy a movie at the end of a hard day. It’s only fair! In fact, I do not believe religious programmes belong on prime-time TV in Guyana. I cannot, for the life of me, digest how many TV stations air one religious programme after the other night after night after 8.

Berbicians have not been able to view NCN G/T feed on Sunday nights for the past several months. Yes, every single Sunday night the Ramayan movies air from 8 straight through to 11. By the time Berbice rejoins the G/T feed, BBC World is already airing. I do watch a lot of NCN because of the large chunk of locally produced programmes, current affairs, call-in programmes, etc, that air.

NCN Berbice TV will break away at times from the G/T feed to air other programming. I totally agree with this policy. However, my grouse rests on the fact that it is done in the primetime period when NCN G/T are airing documentaries, live call-in programmes, features, current affairs, etc.

Finally, NCN is supposed to be the best channel in Guyana, right? Then why do I have to turn up my volume to over forty to get a good audio on my TV for NCN Channel 15? It’s either I’m deaf or NCN Berbice audio equipment needs to be rechecked.

So, please, I hope the management reviews its current programming policies in Berbice. Why not tape the NCN G/T primetime feed and air it the following day in Berbice? With all these issues cleared up, then NCN can be the effective state media it claims to be.

Yours faithfully,
Leon Jameson Suseran