Payola crackdown
BCJ to make illicit act a criminal offence
BY Cecelia Campbell-Livingston Jamaica Observer staff reporter [email protected]
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

THE Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ), regulatory body of electronic media, says recommendations are now before the government to make payola a criminal offence.
Payola is the act of paying disc jockeys for airplay.
DUNN… the initiative is gaining momentum
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In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Professor Hopeton Dunn, chairman of the BCJ, said penalties include custodial sentences.
“Stiff penalties in fines and custodial sentences have been proposed after consultation with the media, music industry leaders and with international stakeholders. The BCJ is aware that government is now engaged in active consideration of the necessary drafting instructions in order to present legislation to parliament on the subject, as recommended,” he said.
According to Dunn, this initiative is gaining momentum with strong support from sections of the media and music industry, including the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA).
“These stakeholders have come out strongly in support of the firm position of the Broadcasting Commission against payola,” said Dunn.
Some of the recommendations are: radio stations must establish a mechanism to receive and evaluate submissions and provide objective vetting of all music before airplay; the amendment will make playlists mandatory and collection agencies will have a right to see playlists; all electronic media will pay royalties as a condition of their broadcast licence; and, disc jockeys will no longer be able to play their own music on their programmes.
Dunn admits that catching persons in the act will not be easy.
“But from what we are experiencing now, it would seem that people being affected by, or who are aware of this kind of illicit business, are prepared to talk under certain conditions, which we will help to foster,” Dunn said.
“We will also look to both the pending Whistle-blower legislation and the Proceeds of Crime legislation to assist in the detection and prosecution of offenders.”
In its campaign to build public awareness about payola, the commission, in tandem with other stakeholders, have held several seminars.
Dunn said he intends to continue the process through a comprehensive campaign on radio, television as well as in print and social media.
Earlier this week, he hosted a meeting with over 25 emerging artistes and producers. Many complained about lack of airplay.
“As new or young artistes they want to also be heard with a different sound or lyrical content from the themes and sounds often played repeatedly on the many stations,” dunn said.
Charles Campbell, vice chairman and executive director of JaRIA, said he is satisfied with the bcj move and expressed optimism that the recomendations will be approved.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Payola-crackdown_11271783#ixzz1sT5AGNl5

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Open Letter to the Swedish Minister of Culture
By Tendai Tagarira

Published: April 19, 2012

Comment

Re. Do the right thing

Dear Lena Adelson Liljeroth

I am writing this letter to express my discontent about your racist conduct in this video
I am a person of color, a proud son of Africa and I am saddened by your inappropriate conduct in this video. How can a Culture Minister of a nation that champions human rights work, participate in a macabre genitalia cake cutting ritual, that defiles the struggle of all black people.

Perhaps you are not aware of the racist struggle black people have endured and fought, but I would like to believe that a top Swedish government official would know better than to desecrate the womanhood of a black woman.

It is easy for me to be filled with rage about your actions, but I shall turn to the teachings of Nelson Mandela and Dr Martin Luther King.

“I forgive you Lena
Not because i am weak
not because i am afraid
Because i am strong
I have my dignity and pride
I am a human being
created in the image of the father”

I call upon you to search your own heart and decide the appropriate course of action, to save the Swedish nation from your embarrassment. It is not my decision of course, but if i were in your shoes, i would apologize to all of humanity and then resign. In my opinion, it is the only honorable thing you can do, if you have any dignity left of self. You are a custodian of Swedish culture and I doubt your actions mirror the intentions of every Swedish citizen.

Do the right thing.

Regards
Tendai Tagarira
African Author and Humanitarian.

Performance of swedish artist Makode Linde at World art day 15 april 2012 at Moderna Museet Stockholm(ZimEye)
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OPEN LETTER