Guyana Chronicle
June 12, 2001

THE NBTV Channel 9 television outfit on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, says it is in the process of restructuring its operations to effectively discharge its mandate while maintaining the highest technical standards.

To this end, Ms. Phyllis Jakcson, former Assistant Programme Manager (Training) with the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), has been recruited to oversee and manage the operations of the station, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Noel Blackman announced.

In a statement, Blackman said the station will be guided and will operate in accordance with its mission statement, "to be a professionally managed communication medium committed to producing the highest quality of programmes designed to educate, entertain and to exchange information and perspectives for the primary benefit of the widest cross-section of viewers."

It is too, committed to effective balance in its programming, he said.

As such, all presenters who utilise the medium are expected to exercise respect by "acting in accordance with its terms", Blackman said, adding, "We intend to be proactive in honouring regulations which will meet international broadcasting standards."

Recently, a meeting was convened between the station's management and programme presenters aimed at evaluating the present position of the television station and plan for the future, he said.

At the forum, concern was expressed for a re-dedication to the objectives and self-regulation in relation to the menu of standards expressed in the Media Code of Conduct drafted in October 2000.

Noting that similar standards are found in the First Amendment Handbook by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press in the USA, Blackman categorically stated that all programmes emanating from the television outfit will have to meet the highest technical standards and be consistent with the Media Code of Conduct.

He added that the station has always accepted a commitment to airing programmes of public interest and support the general welfare of the Guyanese people, a responsibility it accepts seriously and continues to follow.

In addition, the current practice of the station reflects the commitment to local programming as is manifested in the involvement of more than 24 presenters, he said.