OPERATORS of local television stations who did not apply for licences that were formally issued Monday by the Government, probably refused to do so due to the terms and conditions in the licences, spokesmen indicated yesterday.
Mr. Anthony Vieira, owner of VCT 28, among those that did not apply for the licences, argued that some of the conditions under which the licences were issued had been found dangerous but declined to comment on the dangers.
He, however, told the Chronicle that the concerns of those who did not apply can have serious repercussions.
These may be raised before the courts if action is not taken by Prime Minister Sam Hinds who has responsibility for broadcasting under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, he said.
The Chronicle understands that a representative of the television stations that did not apply for the licences will be meeting the Prime Minister next week to discuss the concerns before these are made known to the public.
Mr. Hinds issued the licences to 15 local operators in what he said was a step towards regularising and normalising TV broadcasting.
Those receiving licences were GWTV 2, STVS 4 (two licences), CNS 6, NBTV 9, GTV 11, RBS 13, MTV 65, NTN 69, MBC 93, DTV 8 in Berbice, RCA 8 in Essequibo, LRTVS 68, Vision Channel 102 and CCB in Corriverton.
CNS 6 came up for special mention as the Prime Minister noted that operator Mr. Chandranarine Sharma has probably been the best example of television broadcasting with Guyanese features. Vieira and Mr. Rex McKay of WRHM 7 were also acknowledged and commended for their "pioneering" work.
VCT 28 and WRHM 7 as well as some others, however, did not apply for licences but the Prime Minister declined to say whether sanctions would be imposed on them.
Contacted yesterday operators, Mr. Max McKay and Mr. Omar Farouk of WRHM 7 and HGP 16, respectively, said there are concerns but did not comment on these.
The Chronicle understands that some of the operators who applied and received licences were among others who had not accepted the terms under which they were issued.
Television operators who received licences are subject to several terms and conditions.
Among other conditions, they must ensure that nothing is included in programmes which offends against good taste or decency or is likely to encourage or incite racial hatred or incite to crime or lead to public disorder or to be offensive to public feeling.
They are expected to act reasonably and in good faith and ensure that any views given (in whatever form) in the programmes of the licensee are presented with due accuracy and impartiality, and that due impartiality is preserved by the person providing the service in regard to matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to public policy.
They must also ensure that due responsibility is exercised with respect to the content of any religious programmes of the licensee and that, in particular, any such programme does not involve any abusive or derogatory treatment of the religious views and beliefs of persons belonging to a particular religion or religious denomination, that their programmes should be of the highest standard, that they provide reasonable opportunity for the public to be exposed to the expression of differing views on matters of public interest.
In terms of the technical terms and conditions, licencees are authorised to use only frequencies, antenna, designation of emission and other technical parameters approved by the governing body. Other conditions stipulate that:
** they shall not cause the television broadcasting station to be operated in such a way so as to cause harmful interference with any other duly licenced wireless telegraphy stations
** they shall ensure that the operation of the television broadcasting station complies with National Plans, Standards and Regulations relating to wireless telegraphy
** they shall notify the National Frequency Management Unit, in writing, within five days of any change in the information supplied in the licence
** they shall supply to the National Frequency Management Unit copies of all the manufacturers' technical specifications of the licensed Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus (antennae included).
Mr. Hinds said Monday's signing and issuing of the television broadcasting licences was the result of a long process to bring regularisation to the television sector and came more particularly at the end of long, broad discussions towards some accepted scheduling of fees and regulations with respect to content.
He referred to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte which he said cleared the way for the first tentative interim steps towards judgement on content from a group that has support from leading players in society.
Under the Amended Wireless Telegraphy Act, an advisory committee on broadcasting was established comprising a person designated by the Government, a nominee of the Opposition Leader and a nominee of the Private Sector Commission, all with competence in matters relating to broadcasting.
This committee is responsible for advising the minister on compliance by the licencee with the terms and conditions set out, to recommend to the minister appropriate action which may be taken, including revocation of a licence, in the event of failure by a licencee to comply with the terms or conditions of the licence, among others.