THE Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has drawn attention to the use of “ethnic labelling” during a recent on-air transmission, and therefore cautions all broadcasters about the consequences this can ignite.

The authority says it first noted the disturbing incident during observances to mark Amerindian Heritage Month, celebrated every year during the month of September, and finds the usage of certain terms very “derogatory”.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the authority urged broadcasters to be mindful that they live and operate in a multi-ethnic society, and that this is even more reason for them to be ever thoughtful of their content.

The GNBA said: “The screening of content with ethnic or stereotypical labels may have significant implications for social cohesion, and may evoke feelings of resentment.”
“This in turn,” the authority believes, “has the potential to evoke violence among those impressionable minds in our society. The fact that we reside in a multi-ethnic society, it is imperative that we abstain from such practices.”

The GNBA further wishes to remind broadcasters of the laws which govern persons in their field of work, specifically the Broadcasting Act of 2011, Section 19, subsection (f).
It requires broadcasters to “safeguard, enrich and strengthen the diverse ethnic, cultural, social and economic fabric of Guyanese society”, while subsection (q) requires broadcasters to “ensure compliance with the constitution and laws of Guyana and shall not incite violence, ethnic, religious or cultural hostility”.

In closing, the authority said: “GNBA takes this opportunity to caution broadcasters to avoid such practices….GNBA calls on our valued broadcasters to be sensitive to these issues and make a concerted effort to prevent its recurrence.”