A number of media proprietors and operators met yesterday July 31, 2017 to discuss the potential ramifications of the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill 2017 recently tabled in the National Assembly by Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo.
The primary concerns were the negative impact it could have on sustainability of operations with regard to the licensing fee structure, the imposition on property and the infringement on the freedom to determine broadcast content.
To this end, the group is in the process of writing the Prime Minister seeking an audience to engage so their related concerns can be made known. Having been made aware that the Bill could be passed before the end of the week, the group is urging that it be deferred until meaningful consultations can be held.
The group, having not been consulted to date or during the preparation of the Bill, is hoping that the authorities would afford the opportunity now before this important piece of legislation is passed. It believes that the impact on freedom, livelihood and jobs compels the decency of having consultations with the allowance for inputs.
Having examined the proposed bill, there are concerns of constitutionality of which clarification is being sought. The group is of the firm belief that the meeting requested and its call for a deferral would provide opportunities for these matters to be raised.
It is hoping that in the interest of democracy and freedom of expression, the authorities would understand the magnitude of the impact the Bill in its current form could have on the future of television and radio broadcasting in Guyana. As such, the desire is for a Bill that can be reached through consensus.