CHAIRPERSON of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Ms. Bibi Safora Shaddick yesterday updated the media on state of the licensing landscape. According to Ms. Shaddick the entities which received television licenses are GWTV 2, Pinnacle Commutations, MTV Channel 14/65, CNS 6, DTV 8, Blackman and Sons and Little Rock. 

Radio licenses were granted to Radio Guyana, Telecor, NTN, Hits and Jams Entertainment and Little Rock with five cable licenses given to Atlantic Cable Networking and E-Networks.
Ms. Shaddick added that letters of approval were sent to a number of applicants including Movie Star Inc., Star TV, WRHM Inc., 21st Century Communication, Rambarran Broadcasting System, NCN TV and Radio, HGP TV, ANG Radio, Wireless Connections, Linden Radio, Pinnaccle Radio (Essequibo), Particle Communication (Cable).
There are problems, with respect to some entities, which need to be solved before they can be issued with a license. The entities included NTN TV, which paid their license fees, but there appears to be a problem with the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) that needs to be sorted out. Another entity that is presenting a problem to the GNBA is Tarzee of Bartica, which is not even incorporated as a company yet. According to Ms. Shaddick, STVS Channel 4 is currently in talks with Hits & Jams concerning a possible takeover and has to sort that situation out before a license can be issued.
Ms. Shaddick then informed the media that the GNBA board took a decision at their last meeting to take those entities that continue broadcasting without a license to court. These include: NCN, NTN, Linden Wireless Communication Network, HGPTV, WHRM, Star TV and Movie Star Inc. Shaddick says they are currently consulting with three lawyers to take the case forward. In terms of considering applications for more licenses, she informed the media that they plan to hold at least one more meeting after December 16, 2013.
The Advisory Committee on Broadcasting (ACB) was established by the Post and Telegraph Act, which was repealed by the Broadcast Act of 2011. However the monitoring body created under the ACB has been fully constituted and is now operating under the GNBA. Ms. Shaddick said that retired Major General Norman McLean, who was a board member on the ACB, has been retained on this body. Other members appointed include Dr. Paloma Mohamed, Dr. Seeta Shah Roath from the Learning Channel and Attorney Sase Gunraj.
According to Shaddick, the monitoring body will be responsible for formulating regulations which will then be sent to the Minister of Information, President Donald Ramotar to be placed in the gazette.

(By Jimmy Roos)