A NEW member was inducted into the media fraternity on Tuesday. The 'new kid on the block' is the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ). The broadcast entity is scheduled to begin transmission next month on several cable channels across the island.
The facilities of the new entity occupy the former home of the now defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) at 5-9 South Odeon Avenue, St. Andrew.
Financing for PBCJ will be provided through the private sector, non-governmental organisations, programme sponsorship and cable licence fees.
NATIONAL FOCUS
Outgoing Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, who was a guest at the function, stressed that the station, which is expected to transmit a variety of cultural and educational programming, will have a national focus as opposed to government.
"PBCJ is expected to promote synergy at all levels ... PBCJ should be operating in inclusionary fashion and a truly national player and facilitator within an industry that is still good," said Mr. Patterson.
PHASED BASIS
In the interim, Reverend Neville Callam, chairman of the PBCJ board of directors, said that transmission would begin on a phased basis with television services.
"Testing of the technology solutions for channels already assigned has begun. The phased rollout of television will take place over a period of three months and will include a rich variety of programming," he said.
The programmes will come in various forms, such as documentaries, dramatic productions and discussion programmes, among other genres.
Rev. Callam also announced that the CEO of PBCJ is Dr. Grace Turner, who will join the team next month "to pilot this national endeavour".
Rev. Callam also stated that the nation has waited long enough for an entity with the nature and mandate of PBCJ. "For a long time, the people of Jamaica have been waiting for the PBCJ - a national broadcast entity, which is distinct from a government information organ," he said.
He also mentioned that the PBCJ welcomes "all voices and opinions from across Jamaica." The only requirements, he said, "are that material provided by the public is of national relevance and interest, meet stringent production standards and reflects a culture of respect for others."
