Gov't tables Broadcast Bill

Broadcasting Bill was yesterday tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds during the afternoon session.
The Bill makes provision for the establishment of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) which will be responsible for the regulation, supervision and development of the National Broadcasting System. It speaks to the functions of the GNBA, and also provides for the licensing of broadcasting agencies. The Bill also looks at setting the stage for local productions and broadcasting of local television and radio programmes.
Under the section that deals with the establishment of the GNBA, the functions of the Authority are explored. The Authority will be expected to oversee all aspects of broadcasting whether wireless, by wire, cable, satellite or other means with the exception of telecommunications. The GNBA is expected to control, within limits, all aspects of radio and television.
This section of the Bill also speaks to the membership of the board of the GNBA.
The Managing Director of the National Frequency Management Unit or its successor will be appointed as an ex-officio member of the Board who does not have the right to vote. Meanwhile holding or acquiring any interests in any broadcasting agency or any device or patent which is used in any broadcasting agency precludes one from being an appointed member.
Funding for the GNBA is also addressed and it was given that the Authority can play a role in the national broadcast arena including private, public and community broadcasting in consonance with the national broadcasting policy.
Part Three of the Act deals with the need for all broadcasters, current and future, to acquire a broadcast licence once the Bill has been enacted in order to avoid prosecution. The Authority is expected to work in close collaboration with the National Frequency Management Unit on the application for licences in determining whether or not to grant or deny licences.
The Bill in Part Four also looks at the creation of rules to govern not only the licenced services but eventually to govern standards in advertising, regulating advertisements and prescribing advertisements or sponsorships that are prohibited in particular circumstances. The Bill is expected to introduce a new regime for regulating and facilitating enterprise in the broadcasting sector.