Persons who hoard frequencies will be ‘reviewed’ – GNBA Chairman -visits to newly licensed radio station begin

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DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, May 22, 2018

The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) today began its review of newly licensed radio agencies.

The Chairman of GNBA Leslie Sobers and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Prudence Lewis-Bhola visited the Pinnacle Group, owned by Alfro Alphonso, Brutal Communications Incorporated of Brutal Tracks Recording, Blackman and Sons Incorporated (Hoyte Blackman Television Channel 9), Two Brothers (the Slingerz Group), Kaieteur News’ National Media and Publishing Company and Chandra Narine Sharma (CNS 6).

Sobers explained that the visits are a follow up as well as means of determining if any of the stations are “hoarding frequencies.”  The agency, the Chairman said, will be cracking down on any person who is suspected of hoarding frequencies for other persons.

He noted, “We (GNBA) will not condone broadcasting hoarders for whatever reason…the issued license will be reviewed …Frequency is a scarce commodity the electromagnetic spectrum can only accommodate so many broadcasters.”

Sobers added the agency is “fine-tuning and tweaking” their responsibilities as they move forward. He further explained the time frame for any expected radio entity to put all the necessary measures in place is a period of three to five months. However, the authority will consider the financial capability of the entity to launch a station.

At the studio for Brutal Communications Incorporated, a spot-check was conducted. The studio is about 75 percent complete and due to be launched in July.

CEO Brutal Group Incorporated, Christian Duncan said that after many years of attempting to obtain a radio license, he is elated that his journey has begun, which will lead to a transformation in the promotion of local talent across all frequencies of Guyana.

Duncan explained, “We are building a network the first synchronous FM network in Guyana. Our intended geographic coverage will extend from the Corentyne through Demerara to Charity and from the Demerara coast, all the way up to Linden, Bartica, Ituni and Kwakawani.  In the final phase of expansion, we will attempt to bring Lethem into that sphere.” His aim is to have a “truly global broadcast” putting more local talent on the market. The station will provide employment for 35 persons.

According to the Dr. Lewis-Bhola, there are in excess of 40 pending applications.

 

By: Zanneel Williams

Images by Anil Seelall.