GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago participates in Consultation on a Broadcasting Code

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas. 687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer Ena Maharaj, PRO

August 20th, 2008

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago participates in Consultation on a Broadcasting Code


The President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, participated in a Public Consultation on a Broadcasting Code for Trinidad & Tobago, hosted by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), on August 20th, 2008, at the Auditorium, Centre Point Mall, Chaguanas, Trinidad.

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago expressed concern and inquired about several issues, including the following:

- possibility of extending the August 29th deadline for the receipt of written comments on the Code and the Guidelines; TATT indicated they may consider requests for an extension.

- usage of language that is at times ambiguous and highly subjective, e.g. words in italics below:
"material that is likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder"; "citizens receive a sufficient range of information, views, and opinions, as well as facts, so that they can make well-informed political decisions"
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago suggests more specificity and possible use of quantifiable criteria that can be measured and computed. e.g. a list of items and an explanation on how they are likely to encourage or incite; what constitutes a 'sufficient range'?; how will one determine what are 'well-informed decisions'?; fairness to all political parties may be determined by allocation of equal broadcast time?

- possibility of the Broadcast Code being used to restrict or limit freedom of the media and freedom of speech of the individual

- possibility of the Broadcast Code being used to victimize political parties, and to create an unfair advantage for one or more participants in the political process.

- online radio and TV (new media) are not included in the Broadcast Code

- Ban or reduction of Alcohol Advertisements that are misleading and target the vulnerable and young; the harmful effect of alcoholic consumption, especially on youth.

- disproportionate (real or perceived) amount of media content in terms of race and religion, and measures that can rectify this situation; role, if any, of TATT in influencing broadcasters to present content that reflects a multicultural, multiracial, multi-religious Trinidad and Tobago.

- criteria in awarding broadcast licences, with suggestions that will result in a fair and more balanced allocation of licences in the future.

- the risk of polarizing the society as a result of increasingly racist and prejudiced comments, by participants of all races, especially in talk-shows and discussions.

- children and minors being exposed to increasing amounts of sexually explicit, obscene, and vulgar content; and programming with more violence, and physical and emotional abuse.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will be submitting a document with the above and other comments to the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad & Tobago within the prescribed August 29th, 2008 deadline. We invite you to submit your comments and suggestions that will be included in our presentation - send mail to gopiott@gmail.com

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago extends our thanks to TATT for permitting us to contribute towards formulation of a Broadcast Code for Trinidad and Tobago.

Regards,

Deosaran Bisnath,
President,
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago,
a Chapter of GOPIO International
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
http://www.gopio.com

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, the only authorized chapter of GOPIO International in Trinidad and Tobago, is a secular, non-partisan, civic and community service organization with the objectives of strengthening national unity and loyalty, and developing a peaceful and harmonious society. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is not associated with any political party or religious organization.