Guyana moves up on World Press Freedom Index

Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2014

Guyana has moved up two places on the 2014 Reporters without Borders World Press Freedom Index; ranking at 67 out of 180 countries. Last year, the country came in at number 69 out of 179 countries.
Reporters without Borders is a non-profit organisation based in France. The Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by this body based upon its assessment of the countries’ press freedom records in the previous year.
In Guyana, over the last 20 years under the PPP/C led Administration, the local media fraternity, both print and electronic, has grown exponentially.
The enactment of the Broadcast Act paved the way for the establishment of a new regime of rules and procedures by which persons can participate in an open and competitive broadcasting sector. This Act established the Guyana Broadcasting Authority (GNBA).
While the role of the State-owned media must be recognised, the GNBA ensures fairness and balance. In essence, the broadcast industry in Guyana is seen as plural and open to fair competition.
Over the last 20 years under the PPP/C Administration, the print media has increased from two to four daily newspapers, three of which are privately own, from just three television stations to over 20 and from just one radio station to now over 10.
Additionally, there are several internet-based news outlets. As recent as December last year, the GNBA sent out 16 more letters of approval for broadcasting licences.