STATE MEDIA IN OUR DEMOCRACY (2)

Weekly viewpoint by Robert Persaud MBA

The following are remainder of excerpts of a presentation titled - the role of the state media in our democracy - made to the GPA 60 th anniversary observance on December 9, 2005.

Tool of public accountability

Important features of democracy are transparency and accountability. And this is a healthy development as we promote good governance and enhanced public life which can only redound to the strength of our democracy. The media generally referred to as the Fourth Estate. But for the State Media there is a special and unique role – to serve as a consistent mechanism to inform and update the public on the policies, programmes and projects of the Government - neighbourhood, municipal, regional and central.

The State Media a vital link in informing people about how their taxes are being spent, the plans and visions of their national leaders and to keep track of these to show progress or lack thereof.

Part of the new orientation of the State Media was intended to support the new mechanisms of accountability and transparency, such as the Auditor General’s Department, the various committees of the National Assembly, the Integrity Commission, special investigative and inquiry panels and the Ethnic Relations Commission, to name a few. Look at the extensive coverage of the deliberations of the National Assembly by the State Media. No private outfit would want to dedicate so much time and resources to such a project. And perhaps, we should not expect them to do that. The State Media through various programmes provide a feedback platform for the public to channel their concerns, express views and even make demands of their leaders.

Even GINA has been so structured that access to information by the public at large is easier, including the use of new technology - the Internet. Nearly all policy statements, documents, and reports are posted On Line for open and free access.

The State Media also keep our border and hinterland communities linked through shortwave service still inadequate, to be upgraded soon. We also have the community service which is - Radio Paiwomak - to serve remote parts of Region Nine.

Facilitating new technology

As mentioned earlier, the media landscape of today is different, even from that which existed merely five years ago. New technologies are being employed in every aspect. And while as a country we may be lagging behind others, we have seen some efforts to employ new technology in some areas in the media. The State Media too are undergoing changes. These changes are critical for the media to play its traditional and evolving role in support of our democracy.

I have always envisaged the State Media as being leaders in the introduction of new technology. That is why we are investing heavily in state-of-the-art technology for NCN radio and television. When we have achieved this, there will be none like what we will have on Homestretch Avenue and other locations. Today, listeners in part of the world can listen to NCN radio and view NCN news On Line.

Our journalists and technical staff are being trained in using up-to-date techniques and technology. They can in time operate in any media situation. One recognises the heavy financial outlay required by the private sector to use these new technologies. As such the State Media have this role of access and making available to new members of our profession state-of-the- art technology.

These new technologies will also be plugged into the Ministry of Education’s programme to extend education and teaching, using the State Media. There are great prospects for using ICT in the State Media and this we intend to use fully, working also in collaboration with the private media. We also intend to explore the use of affordable satellite technology to bring television signals and even daily print publications to all parts of our country.

Future role of State Media in Guyana

There is no doubt about the important role of the State Media in this society or any developing country. Many of the developed countries which have reduced and removed the State Media have themselves gone through the stages of development we are now experiencing. Why should we deny ourselves this important tool? It will be at our own peril to do so. The survival of our democracy demands the support of a responsible State Media.

I have identified three current critical roles of the State Media:

- vehicles for democracy, cohesion, progress and prosperity

- mechanisms for public accountability

- leaders in the provision of new media technology

This is not exhaustive. There are many other basic functions such as a support-machinery in the event of national emergencies such as the January natural disaster and providing public service announcements on important developments. The State Media are also

important support training grounds for the University of Guyana programmes and even developing new journalists in the absence of a sound journalism training school or centre.

I know that those in the Opposition have been claiming lack of access to the State Media. Access is not denied. There is even an agreement between the government and Opposition on equitable access by political parties as distinct from the government. There is also provision for the participation of Opposition representatives on the State Media Boards. I dare anyone to prove the claim of lack of access by the Opposition or anyone else. The State Media were and are intended to serve national objectives. All must support the media in this endeavour, rather than attacking or declaring boycotts in one form or another. The political bickering about the State Media should cease.

The role of the State Media in the coming period will be given more clarity, when the draft Broadcasting Legislation is tabled and passed in the National Assembly. This too, will be reinforced when a Freedom of Information Act, an area where work has been started by the administration, is tabled and passed by Parliament in the near future.

The role of the State Media in our democracy will continue to be imperative, given their steady hand in forging national cohesion in a society rich in diversity but still vulnerable to the hate-mongers and race-baiters. This role in serving as agents of peace and unity is a necessary role and sets the lead for others in the media landscape to which they should aspire. Particularly, with National Elections looming, many will look to the State Media as that of sober, national mechanisms for public information on important issues.

We all must support this element in building our democracy.

TOP