NCN prepares for management shake up, new programming

Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 January 2016, 16:38 by Denis Chabrol

The National Communications Network (NCN) is preparing to hire a new Chief Executive Officer who will oversee a new management structure that will deliver a new brand of programming at Guyana’s state-owned radio and television broadcaster.

“The strategic direction now set has necessitated several changes. This includes changes at the administrative level of the organization based on revised terms of reference and competencies for the new structure,” said NCN in a statement.

Chief Executive Officer, Molly Hassan and the Head of the Human Resources and Information Communications Technology (ICT), Darren Khan resigned Monday.

The company further announced that several other positions including those of CEO, Human Resources, ICT, Engineering and Programming have been rationalized, but did not go into details.

As part of its “vitalization project” following a review of the “strategic direction, operations and conditions” NCN says it is wants new voices, faces and ideas to help rebrand and vitalize programming on radio and television. “There has been an intense and ongoing review of both the current programmes, systems, staff and technical facilities.  In addition to internal work being done on re-branding, re-programming, training and creating a new content culture, a nationwide call is currently out for announcers, producers and fresh programme ideas,” said the broadcaster in a statement.

NCN also hinted that it would be investing heavily in new technologies following tours to the company’s national substations, as well as equipment audits and technical consultations with local and international experts. “Several urgent needs in the area of physical space, telecommunications infrastructure, training, management and equipment have been identified. The Board has been vigorously pursuing resources to rectify these problems and intends to continue this process in 2016,” said the three-month old Board.

The Board promised to resolutely pursue its clear strategic direction in the best interest of the nation by simultaneously pursuing all four pillars of the vitalization project.