In any form of the media, it is necessary to have certain measures in place. These measures are not only present to control the type of content being delivered, but also to protect the purveyors of his/her content should negativity arise.
Broadcasters have a right to make their own content and also the right to provide it to the masses, depending on how credible and appropriate any of it is. They also have the right to use materials created by others, but sparingly, and most times, with permission.
However, before any of this is possible, broadcasters must conform to the rules and regulations stipulated upon them, inclusive of licensing and payment of their annual fees. This is accounted for in Act No. 17 of 2011- The Broadcasting Act 2011.
The Act stands to make provision for the establishment of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA). This entity is responsible for the supervision and development of the National Broadcasting System and the provision of its functions and licensing of broadcasting agencies. It is also vested with the responsibility to encourage the production and broadcasting of television and radio programmes having relevance generally to life and culture of the people and for consequential and related matters.
Part II of the act calls for the establishment of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority and appointment of members of the Board of Authority within the Broadcasting Authority. It also calls for the tenure of the members of the board and the seal of authority.
It puts into perspective the grounds which will be used for the disqualification from membership of the Board, all proceedings of the board, disclosure of interest, confidentiality, protection of members, appointment of employees, funds and resources of the Authority, utilization of funds and production of an annual report, among others.
The function of the board is to monitor and provide equal opportunity for persons who are broadcasting or wish to become broadcasters. It strictly keeps broadcasters in check, especially for those who seek to break the regulations set by the Board of Authority. The Board also serves to ensure that Section 19 of the Act is fully observed. That section states:
It is hereby declared as the broadcasting policy for Guyana that-
(a) Broadcasting services are effectively owned and controlled by-
(i) Guyanese nationals;
(ii) Guyanese nationals and CARICOM nationals: Provided that in the case of CARICOM nationals, their ownership and control shall be subject to there being reciprocal provisions governing broadcasting by the Member State of which the CARICOM national is a citizen;
(b) No one person can own and or control more than 25 percent of the broadcasting sector;
(c) While recognizing the special role of state-owned media, the broadcast industry is plural and open to fair competition;
(d) Contributes to the strengthening of a shared Guyanese consciousness and identity, fostering national unity and building a harmonious society;
(e) Ensures wide geographic availability and accessibility of broadcasting services, especially to hinterland and border communities;
(f) Safeguards, enriches and strengthens the diverse ethnic, cultural, social and economic fabric of Guyanese society;
(g) Promotes the growth of Guyanese expression through diversified programming that reflects Guyanese rich cultural diversity, traditions, history, attitudes, opinions, ideas, beliefs and values, and provides a reasonable opportunity for the public to be exposed to the expression of differing views on matters of public concern;
(h) Serves the need and interests and reflects the circumstances and aspirations of Guyanese, including those of equal rights and the multi-cultural and multi-racial nature of the Guyanese society;
(i) Caters for a broad range of services, specifically for the programming needs of Amerindians, children, women, youth, the disabled, the underprivileged and rural residents;
(j) Be varied and comprehensive, providing a balance of information, enlightenment and entertainment for men, women and children of all ages and tastes;
The details go on, but the fact remains that there are strict rules and stipulations that govern the ownership of media houses and the specific types of content that they can deliver to the masses.