Advisory body calls for end to 'reckless' broadcasts on TV
Stabroek News
June 26, 2004

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The Advisory Committee on Broadcasting (ACB) is cautioning all licensees of television stations to comply with the conditions of their broadcast licence by adhering to the accepted standards of broadcasting.

A press release issued by the ACB yesterday said "a very disturbing trend towards reckless and unprofessional conduct in the programming of a number of television stations..." has developed within the last 72 hours.

"This [trend] is most glaring in the programmes described as 'commentaries' and 'telephone talk-shows', where personalities, parties and organisations are impugned by the hosts and unidentified callers without the presentation of the same opportunity of supporting evidence," the release stated.

The release said it is alarmed at what it views as the active encouragement of the hosts of these programmes to the incitement of public disorder, noting that the ACB has no control over the "zealous behaviour of citizens of Guyana in their interpretation of support for their avowed political views in other fora... [however] we do have a mandate to be vigilant over the use of the broadcast spectrum which is a public resource allocated and adjudicated by national and international conventions."

The release, signed by ACB chairman, Patrick Dial, reminded licensees of their obligation to maintain lawful conduct by any or all of their agents including those who purchase air time for 'live or pre-recorded' programmes.

It added: "We anticipate a recognition of the potential of the media for either great good or untold harm and irreparable damage to our society, and do trust that there will be a quick return to professional conduct."