Recently, the Telecommunication Authority of Trinidad and Tobago produced a Consultative Document on a Broadcasting Code for this country. The main principle of the Code is for the right of adults to choose the programming they want, while protecting children from unsuitable material. It also seeks to limit harm and unnecessary offence, since these are continual concerns of people who watch Television and listen to Radio programmes on a regular basis.
The authority invited the general public to take part in consultation on the Code. The draft contains the Code, as well as Guidelines which are designed to assist persons in interpretation of the provisions of the Code.
As a ministry, The Family Focus Broadcasting Network (FBN) is very concerned about what this Draft Code means for our Radio Station and the ministries that have programmes on the frequency. We desire to stay true to our vision to be a dynamic, pioneering, Christian media organization, imparting life and truth to families, bringing about spiritual growth and positive change globally.
Here are some areas of the code which relate to us:-
2.1 Broadcasters shall ensure that their programming contains no gratuitously abusive or unduly discriminatory material or comment which is based on matters of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability.
2.9 Demonstrations of exorcism, the occult, the paranormal, divination or practices related to any of these (whether these demonstrations purport to be real or are for entertainment purposes) must not contain life-changing advice directed at individuals.
12.2 The religious views and beliefs of those persons belonging to a particular religion or religious denomination, or persons, who follow no religious doctrine, must not be subject to abusive treatment by broadcasters. (See Interpretation of Terms for meaning of “abusive treatment”).
12.3 Broadcasters shall ensure that religious programmes are not used to attack another religion. However, if a religious programme includes reasonable criticism of another religion, an opportunity must be given for a right of reply in the same time slot allotted for that programme. (See Clause 9: Right of Reply).
12.4 Where a religion or religious denomination is the subject or one of the subjects of a religious programme, then the identity of the religion and/or denomination under discussion must be made clear to the audience.
12.5 Religious programmes must not seek to promote religious views or beliefs by stealth by concealing the religious views of the makers, sponsors or hosts of the programme or by presenting as support for specific religious beliefs certain facts, theories, or opinions as though such opinions are purely disinterested, scientific, or representative of a consensus.
12.6 Religious programmes must not improperly exploit any susceptibilities of the audience.
12.7 Religious programmes that contain claims that a living person or group has special powers or abilities, must treat such claims with due objectivity and must not broadcast such claims when outside the watershed (in the case of television), or when children are likely to be listening (in the case of radio).
How will this Draft Code affect us as a Radio Station and the various ministries featured?
We at the FBN Network believe that on the face of it, this Code has the potential to affect the way we do our on-air programmes. The Code’s restriction upon religious preaching, testimonies and critical speech which is protected by the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago is of great concern to us. It would appear that the Church of Jesus Christ can be muzzled by this code so that our rights and freedom to preach the gospel is in jeopardy. If this Draft Code is passed, it would affect the way we spread the gospel not just on I.S.A.A.C 98.1fm but for all bible believing Christians. It can affect the way we evangelize, talk about miracles and even go as far as affecting Christmas and Easter celebrations for the Body of Christ. In other words this Draft Code erodes our Freedom of Expression. What is the church’s response? What is our response?
We will be highlighting his Draft Code in a series of programmes on I.S.A.A.C 98.1fm to make it known to our listeners and stakeholders’ the seriousness of this Draft Code to the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to take a firm stand as the Body of Christ uniting together, to protect our Freedom of Expression in Trinidad and Tobago.