Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Press Institute calls for greater transparency in Guyana government's awarding of advertising to media
01-31-2007

VIENNA, Austria: The International Press Institute (IPI), has weighed in on the recent controversy in Guyana over the reported substantial reduction in government advertising placed with one of the local newspapers, the Stabroek News.

The decision has led to claims that the government is seeking to penalise the newspaper for its critical reporting; a claim denied by the government, which argues that the newspaper does not have a monopoly on acquiring advertising.

Responding to these claims, the editor-in-chief of the Stabroek News, David de Caires, has said that the government decision was a reversal of its support for press freedom and an attack on the free press.

In particular, de Caires said the Chapultepec Declaration, signed by Guyana, rejects the idea that governments may use advertising to reward or punish the media.

Commenting on the issue, IPI Director, Johann P. Fritz said, "In order for the disposal of government advertising to be equitable, the government must create procedures that are transparent and accountable."

"I would call on the government to create a blue ribbon Advisory Committee on Advertising drawn from recognised industry experts in Guyana and tasked with the role of ensuring that the disposal of government advertising is carried out in a fair manner."

"In the present case, I would also encourage the parties to meet and to resolve this issue amicably. The government must accept that the media play a crucial role within society and the present disagreement, if allowed to continue, could have a chilling effect on all media who receive government advertising in Guyana," Fritz added.