THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE in response to a letter by Devon Grant that was published in The Gleaner of October 30, 2004, under the caption 'Our country needs role models of decency'.
Although the Children's Code of Programming and its supporting charter provide broadcasters with standards and guidelines for handling problematic content, the commission agrees with Mr. Grant that the industry itself needs to develop a code of conduct, and by extension some measure of self-regulation. This matter was raised at a meeting held earlier this year with senior broadcast executives to discuss mounting concerns about problematic material on local broadcast media. It is expected to be one subject for further discussion at a meeting between the commission and the Media Association of Jamaica, scheduled for today.
In the meantime, the Commission continues to pursue initiatives to boost compliance with programming standards. An Australian expert is currently posted with the Broadcasting Commission until March of 2005 to undertake a review and strengthening of the Children's Code for Programming, and conduct a series of workshops on content standards. Among other core objectives, these workshops are designed to strengthen the capacity of media houses and cable providers to develop effective internal policies that support compliance with the Children's Code for Programming and other programming standards.
This project is being undertaken by the Broadcasting Commission, with technical and financial support from the Common-wealth Secretariat and the World Association of Christian Communicators.
The commission's objective is to bring about a more considered and practical response to media content through the combined initiatives of an improved Children's Code for Programming, effective and sustained industry training, industry self-regulation and public education.
I am, etc.,
CORDEL GREEN
info@broadcom.org
Executive Director
Broadcasting Commission
