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BROADCAST stations are now required to record their
programs and preserve them for 10 days, the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ruled last week.
NTC
Memorandum Circular (MC) 05-06-2008, otherwise known as
Mandatory Taping of Radio and TV Programs, requires all
radio, TV and cable-TV (CATV) stations to retain the
tape and preserve them for a period of 10 days unless a
longer period is required by the commission.
The
programs range from talk shows or live phone-in calls,
live interviews or public-affairs programs, news
analysis or news documentaries and magazine types or
counseling programs. Among the programs cited by the NTC
include Unang Hirit, Umagang kay Ganda, Imbestigador,
Saksi, TV Patrol World, 24 Oras, Probe, Pinoy Meets
World and The Buzz.
CATV
stations which produce similar programs must, likewise,
record said programs, added the NTC.
An
individual or any party who has a complaint against any
radio, TV CATV station pertaining to content and who
intends to file an action before the regular courts and
wishes to obtain a copy of the recorded program may file
a written request with the NTC.
The
commission will then direct the concerned station to
preserve the recorded program for 30 more days from
receipt of the order, unless the circumstances warrant a
longer period. The complainant can obtain a copy of the
recorded program only if there is a court order.
TV,
radio and CATV stations that will not comply will be
fined P5,000 for first-time offenders. For second and
subsequent offenses, a fine plus suspension or
revocation of licenses and permits will be imposed.
Earlier,
the NTC issued an order requiring all TV, radio and CATV
firms to employ a licensed radio operator on an
eight-hour shifting mode.
MC
04-06-2008 states that the number of operators or
technicians of all radio, TV and CATV stations must be
proportionate to their authorized hours of operation.
The
operation of all radio, TV and CATV stations must also
be under the supervision of a registered electronics and
communications engineer (ECE).
“This
new circular is somewhat reminding the TV, radio and
cable TV firms to comply with previous department orders
issued way back in 1948 and 1973. Back then, they were
ordered that their actual operation shall be carried out
only by a licensed radio operator or technician.
Also,
only registered ECE should plan, design, install,
operate and maintain radio stations and in the
manufacture or modification of radio- communications
equipment.
This MC
also orders them that there should be three operators
for a 24-hour operation,” said NTC Deputy Commissioner
Jorge Sarmiento.
The NTC
takes cognizance of the fact that a number of radio and
TV broadcasting stations and CATV stations are not
employing licensed radio operators and registered ECE
and that some stations operating on a 24-hour basis are
manned by only one radio technician. |
