Georgetown: United States Ambassador to Guyana D. Brent Hardt On the eve of World Press Freedom Day said that while new radio broadcasting licences are welcome, the process by which such licences are issued must be fair and transparent.
He then challenged the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority to get down to work and review and approve the qualified applicants for radio licenses.
The envoy made those comments Thursday evening at a reception that he hosted in honour of World Press Freedom Day.
World Press Freedom Day is observed globally on May 3, recognising the work being done by journalists and the need for there to be a free press in all corners of the world.
Noting that this year marks 20 years since the day is being celebrated, the envoy said Guyana created a reasonable foundation for such a process through its 2011 Broadcasting Legislation, which paved the way for the creation of a National Broadcast Authority. It is now time for the Authority to do its work — to promptly review and approve qualified applicants, including many long established media houses whose applications in various forms have been pending since the late 1990's.
“Last year, I welcomed the decision by the Government to free the radio airwaves and end the model of limited, state-influenced radio. Radio is such an integral part of the public square throughout the Caribbean, and opening up that square in Guyana as it is in other Caribbean countries will do much to generate a more inclusive, participatory public dialogue on issues of the day for the people of Guyana. While new radio broadcasting licences are welcome, the process by which such licences are issued must be fair and transparent.” He underscored.
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