PROPOSED CHINESE RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS WON'T COMPETE WITH EXISTING COMMERCIAL MEDIA...says Min Vaz:

APRIL 8, 2010

PROPOSED CHINESE RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS WON'T COMPETE WITH EXISTING COMMERCIAL MEDIA...says Min Vaz:

Minister with responsibility for Information, Daryl Vaz has dispelled concerns expressed earlier this week by the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) that the proposed introduction of Chinese radio and television stations would be in competition with existing commercial media entities. 

Mr. Vaz explained that the discussions with the Chinese government are in the preliminary stages and the early indications are that they are interested in the rebroadcast of Chinese radio and television programmes in both the English and Chinese languages. The Minister noted that the proposal from the Chinese offers an opportunity to deepen appreciation for other cultures. He said similar arrangements are already in place with international relay services such as the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Alliance Francais.

Mr. Vaz said Cabinet last week had given approval for discussions to begin on a proposal received for cooperation between the Government of Jamaica and the Government of the People's Republic of China to transmit Chinese programmes over free-to-air radio and television stations. He said   talks were held at the ministerial level, with a delegation from China Radio International and China Central Television to discuss their interest in establishing a television and radio service in Jamaica.

Responding to the MAJ's query for details of the Government's media policy, Mr. Vaz said the Broadcasting Commission is at an advanced stage in making the recommendations on a new media policy which has been the subject of consultations with the television, radio and cable licensees.