Dear Editor,
There is a proliferation of distortions by Opposition Leader, Mr Robert Corbin about the state media, National Television Network, NCN and Guyana Chronicle.
The concern he posits about the state media’s coverage of the People’s National Congress Reform, (PNCR) as against that provided to the Government is a misunderstanding of some sort.
A Government by its nature would always attract more coverage and publicity than any political party. Political parties cannot succeed in any competition with Governments for quantitative coverage. This inherent advantage has a direct correlation to the pulsating energy and momentum of the Government in the management of the country.
Mr Corbin’s claim that the Government’s possession of media resources accounts for its lead in coverage further weakens his argument. Comparative analysis shows the state owns one newspaper and one television station against at least four television stations and two newspapers with a harsh stance against the Government.
Mr Corbin’s fear factor has to do with the responsive challenges the Government poses to his ramblings, distortions and misinformation.
The state media is a guarantee for the representation of the Government’s views. They are those who seek to impose guilt on the state media for its role without recognizing the imbalance, inequitable coverage and irresponsible journalism by a particular section of the private media in Guyana.
In cases where they provide coverage it is mostly negative as a part of a centrally-directed agenda. What is wrong with the PPP/C Government having its views heard and its programmes and policies highlighted by the state media?
Mr Corbin omitted to recognize the coverage by NCN and the Guyana Chronicle of the PNCR and other political parties. Of course, his preoccupation remains the quantity of coverage his party receives.
The state media do provide adequate coverage to the opposition parties in Guyana, more than the combined anti-government media houses provide to the government, except those pieces that are negative.
Yours faithfully,
Kwame Mc Coy
