The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has written to President Donald Ramotar asking him as Minister of Information to urgently address the question of equitable access to the broadcast media.
For a number of years now, opposition parties have complained about their inability to access paid and free slots on state broadcaster NCN and this problem was raised again during recent visits here by international organisations who will be mounting observer missions.
The March 19th letter by the PSC to the President follows:
Your Excellency,
The Private Sector Commission is integrally involved in the process of ensuring that the upcoming Elections of May 2015 will be free and fair. The Commission has been meeting with the United Nations agencies, Diplomatic Missions, the OAS and various other stakeholders involved in monitoring the elections.
In all of our meetings, the issue of equitable access to radio and television, both state and privately operated for both political advertising and party election broadcast has been raised as a matter of priority to ensure a fair election. In the course these meetings, we have determined that it is necessary for there to be a clear and defined policy and requirements governing broadcast licensees.
We write you, therefore, particularly as the Minister responsible for Information, to request that you urgently address this matter. We have reviewed the Regulations of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa with respect to regulations governing Party Election Broadcasts and Political Advertisements during the election period.
The South African Broadcast Authority states that the purpose of the Regulations “is to prescribe the framework and guidelines under which Party Election Broadcast PEB (s) and Political Advertisements PA (s) shall be conducted and carried out by the Broadcasting Service Licensee (BSL) during the National and provisional election.”
The South African Broadcast Authority legislation specifically defines the requirements for both State and Private licensees with regard to their airing party election broadcast and distinguishes between PEB(s) and PA(s).
The South African Broadcast Authority legislation deals specifically with the allocation of air time for PEB(s) on the basis of a formula relating to political party representation in the Parliament.
The South African Broadcast Authority legislation deals specifically with the regulation of Political Advertising (PA) on both State and Private media. The legislation deals with lodging of complaints with the Authority, the observance of the regulations and the penalties for violation.
We are of the view that these Regulations can be easily and readily adapted for implementation by the Guyana Broadcasting Authority under the Broadcasting Act and wish to recommend this course of action for your urgent consideration.
We enclose a copy of the South Africa Regulations for your information and look forward to your favourable consideration of our recommendations.
Sincere regards,
Ramesh Persaud
Chairman
cc Ms. Bibi Shaddick
Chairperson
Guyana National Broadcasting Authority
