Representatives of the state-run and private-owned media yesterday signed on to a revised Media Code of Conduct, which will be used as a yardstick for fair, balanced an accurate reporting on issues relevant to the upcoming local government polls and the 2011 general elections.

The official signing of the document took place at the Rupununi Room of the Hotel Tower, Main Street, closing a two-day stakeholders’ forum organised to revise the code. The forum was organised by the Media Monitoring Unit of the Guyana Elections Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally stated at the conclusion of the signing ceremony that an element of responsibility must be factored into responsible coverage of elections and related issues. He said that the media has an ally in GECOM, in that the elections commission will share any relevant information as may be desired.

He said that it is recognised that the media is tasked with creating dialogue, and ensuring that those who are voting for the first time are informed of relevant information as regards upcoming elections. Surujbally said that the media has the role and the right to “ask probing questions on behalf of the voters” so that they can exercise their rights. “When in doubt, turn to the [Media Code],” he noted.

Resident representative of the UNDP, Dr T Linman-Tinguiri stated briefly yesterday that the fact that the document was signed on to by those present was a good indication, which would ensure that the political climate will not be inflamed by media reporting at the upcoming elections. He also said that the UNDP will continue to support GECOM in similar programmes.

Media consultant attached to the Commonwealth Secretariat Tim Neale, who participated in the laying of the groundwork in the lead up to yesterday’s signing, stated that the Code is one of the better self-regulatory ones he has seen in most countries.

President of the Media Practitioners Association Godfrey Washington said that the body endorses and will be committed to the MMC; President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) Gordon Moseley echoed similar sentiments on behalf of the press corps.

The revised MMC, which is the final draft of amendments made to a similar model used in the 2006 general elections, seeks for the media to maintain a stable society and journalistic integrity in its coverage and reporting of the period of campaigning. It is noted in the Code that it is the common duty, and, that the media recognises, whether state or privately run, that it exists to serve all the people of Guyana, by providing balanced, fair and accurate information.

The revised code also seeks to ensure that there is equitable coverage and treatment of elections groups and individual candidates in addition to registered political parties during the local government elections.

Among the signatories to the revised code were HBTV Channel 9, CNS Channel 6, NCN, the Government Information Agency (GINA), GWTV Channel 2, MTV Channel 65, GNA Newswatch, Evening News, the Guyana Chronicle, the Guyana Times, Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, RCA Channel 8, Prime News, VCT Channel 28, the UG Centre for Communication Studies, the ACB, the Media Proprietors Association and the Guyana Press Association.