Karamba: My dear, we are still on the same coin, perhaps from different
sides. Training for GRTS is and has always been a priority. However, putting
2gether the resources has always been a herculian task. As you and i
understand, the Tv is a major burden on Gamtel. A single camera costs over
half a million Dalasi. A succesful station with nationwide coverage would
need atleast six-ten of such. And they will have to be continually used. The
Studio will generally need three to five more sophisticated and expensive
cameras than the ones cited. We are not yet talking about editing suites,
which generally costs atleast ten million Dalasi. GRTS has two analogue
editing suites, two Avid ( Latest computer editing system) and certainly the
Control room (gallery) which i can't begin to understand it's cost. There
also are the different satellites and relay systems nationwide that allows
for good picture quality to the viewing public nationwide.
Grts radio, also has been upgraded in 1999 with higher, better and wider
broadcasting capability to most of West Africa and up to Las Palmas. There
is a staff payroll of a rough estimate of two hundred employees for both the
radio and Tv.
There are the numerous experts from Germany and elsewhere, who conduct in
house trainning for the Staff.
Karamba: Consider this math, tell me Grts is doing badly?
For the most part there are over ten grts employees in the Uk and the U.S
studying at their own expense, myself included.
Both sides being heard: No dispute about that. You do have a point.
The National assembly may not be the best the Gambia can have, but, it's
what we have, atleast until the next elections.
gotta go!
Harona.


>From: [log in to unmask]
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Let Us Debate The Issues(Harona)
>Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 08:01:06 EST
>
>I note both your points but I respectfully disagree. Here is why.I agree
>with
>you the staff generally are new to broadcasting especially Television and
>that would be reflected in the overall job performance as they evolve. But
>the fairness doctrine in reporting is what lies at the heart of the  craft
>of
>reporting and it is the duty of management to ensure that an effort is made
>to have reporters and producers adhere to that. Secondly if we both agree
>that the staff need to be trained to become better professionals , then
>that
>validates my point that Tombong as MD needs to make training a priority. I
>don't think it helps neither the staff nor the audience to extend what you
>call a honeymoon period and essentially settle for mediocrity and
>misinformation. The public airwaves by definition has to be representative
>of
>a cross- section of the people and that means bringing in folks who have
>different points of view. It would only enrich our experience as we strive
>to
>build a better society. Exclusion and stiffling debate only undermines
>democracy and in the long run would not augur well for country. I also
>believe the fact that GRTS is directly under government auspices makes it
>vulnerable to the kinds political manupulations that is now hobbling it
>since
>it's inception. That is why I would propose and lobby the next gov't to
>have
>Parliament charter it as a separate entity that would still recieve gov't
>funding but would be entirely independent in both management and editorial
>direction. It would be overseen by an outside board comprising of people in
>the media, civic and business community spanning the cross section of the
>population. The board would hire the Director and only it can fire him or
>her. There would also be a companion piece of legislation that would give
>media houses the right to access information. If we can successfully make
>our
>society and open and free one, it would be a good start for better
>government
>and a more informed population.
>     Regarding my comments on Musa Susso, I think you misunderstood my
>general
>point. I did say democracy is all about the people freely choosing whomever
>they wish and that includes what me or anyoneelse may not prefer. What i
>was
>saying was if our parliament in close to it's entirity has ceased to
>fulfill
>their constitutionally mandated duty of safeguarding the interest the
>people,
>then it says a lot about the kinds of people getting elected. an
>institution
>is only as good as the people serving in it. If you think our parliament as
>it currently is fine or even tolerable, we would agree to disagree. I
>happen
>to believe we need to evolve a system that lets the best among us emerge
>and
>serve in this crucial institutions. In the end it does not really matter
>what
>party they come from, if they are talented and have sufficient drive, we
>are
>all the better for it. Musa Susso and 90% of his colleagues just don't fit
>that bill in my estimation. We can do better.
>Karamba
>
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