By Ravin Singh

THE Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is currently owed $121million and will soon be making moves against defaulters, even as they plan to offer an amnesty for the outstanding fees. This was according to GNBA Chairman Leonard Craig, who spoke at the board’s maiden press conference which was held at its Kingston office on Friday.
Although he did not provide a list of the defaulters, Craig was keen to note that the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) did not form part of the list.
As it relates to the decisions made to improve the broadcasting landscape in Guyana, he related that these were done within the context of freedom of expression and freedom of the press; two critical elements that the board acknowledges and respects.
“The philosophy of the new board lies in regulating all broadcasting in the public interest, and within the context of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Most importantly, the board wishes to protect the morals of our younger generation and is restricting broadcasting of certain television ratings in keeping with good practices and international standards,” Craig said.
The first change to be initiated, relates to broadcasting fees. Additionally, a new commercial zoning system was recommended, namely primary, secondary and tertiary zones with a special category for community stations.
These include; Primary Zone (Region Four – Georgetown and environs) $1.2 million per annum; Secondary Zone (Berbice, Bartica, and Essequibo) $600,000; Tertiary Zone (Linden, Lethem, Mabaruma) $300,000; and Community TV stations $150,000.
For radio licence fees, the following recommendations were made: Primary Zone (Georgetown and environs) $2.5 million per annum as per the current rate; Secondary Zone (Berbice, Bartica, and Essequibo) $1.25 million; Tertiary Zone (Linden) $625,000; and community radio stations $312,500.
It must be noted that the fee for each zone is 50 per cent less than the preceding zone. However, the policy of 3.5 per cent of gross income, whichever is greater, will still stand. Additionally, Craig noted that all operators who desire their signals extended to more than one region will, on approval of the Authority, be allowed to extend to additional zones, but will be required to pay the annual fee applicable to the additional zones.
TELEVISION RATINGS
He continued that the board has also recommended the introduction of a system of television ratings, based on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) TV ratings system, aimed primarily at protecting children and young people.
As such, only programmes rated TV-G and TV-PG will be allowed to be aired during the day. TV-PG-13 rated materials will be allowed only after 20:00 hrs and TV PG-17 after 22:00 hrs. TV-M, TV-R and TV-X will not be allowed for broadcasting.
COMMERCIALS
With regard to on-air commercials, the chairman noted that broadcasters will be cautioned not to air more than 15 minutes of advertising per hour, as such, practices will incur sanctions. In addition, the Authority will be closely monitoring the practice of interrupting canned programmes in an attempt to place local advertisements, as this often affects the smooth continuity of these programmes, much to the annoyance of viewers.
LOCAL PROGRAMMING
Further, Craig revealed that stations will now be required to reach a target of 20 per cent local programming within the first year of broadcast, in an effort to encourage local content and the development of quality local programming.
These would include newscasts, public service announcements, local music, local drama and documentaries.