NCN condemns Opposition consistent, unwarranted attacks on state media

THE National Communications Network Incorporated (NCN), has expressed extreme disgust at the “unwarranted attack on the state media”, made by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, last Friday during a public meeting at the Square of the Revolution.

According to the state media, “Mr. Roopnarine’s call for a boycott of sections of the media, inclusive of NCN and its sister agency, the Guyana Chronicle flies in the face of Press Freedom and exposes the hypocrisy of the political opposition.”

As such, NCN views this call for a boycott of the state media as another attempt at “silencing” them on their “fearless reportage” on matters of national importance.

The media entity is also contending that this is not the first attempt launched by the political Opposition at attacking the state medias.

In 2012, 2013 and 2014, budgetary allocations according to NCN were cut. They further noted that just recently during the 2014 National Budget Debate, the Opposition attempted to forcefully remove their Member of Parliament from one of NCN’s live programmes, while accusing them (NCN) of not providing coverage for the Opposition.
Added to this, was a series of attacks launched on journalists who had been attached to the same media outlet, by the Opposition.

It was further noted that Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan recently verbally abused a senior journalist in the same state media, inclusive of profanities when he (the journalist) sought a comment on a matter of national importance.

“Additionally, APNU’s Joseph Harmon attacked one of our young female reporters during a news conference because she asked him a tough question. As a result, this young journalist was attacked and physically assaulted by an APNU supporter during their protest outside Parliament on November 10, 2014, a matter that is currently engaging the police,” NCN related.

As such, the media agency, through these manifestations, have realised that these “orchestrated attempts” by the Opposition, are aimed at “silencing” them.

“We however wish to state categorically that we will not be bullied, intimidated or silenced by the Opposition, but will continue to execute our duties in a professional manner. We therefore call on all Guyanese to reject outright, the calls for boycott of the state media and any attempts by the joint Opposition to attack Freedom of the Press” NCN stressed.

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