T&T – Broadcasters Told to Stop Playing Violent Music

Broadcasters have been advised in writing by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) not to play music including violent lyrics that may hurt children and young people.

TATT reminded broadcasters that the Telecommunications Act gives it the authority to control the broadcasting and telecommunications industries and that it is in charge of making sure the material aired on radio and television stations is acceptable to the nation.

It claimed to have observed an increase in the material in recent times, particularly songs with lyrics that encourage violence and violent behavior, such as rape, murder, gang violence, illegal drug use, and improper sexual behavior.

“The Authority advises that content of this nature can hurt persons, particularly children and young persons and impressionable or vulnerable persons in society. The Authority, therefore, advises you to refrain from the broadcast of any such content that glorifies or promotes violence, encourages violent behavior and/or glorifies or promotes the use of guns or other weapons, and glorifies or promotes inappropriate sex behavior and/or the use of illicit drugs,” TATT stated. 

Additionally, TATT instructed broadcasters to take all necessary precautions to shield young viewers from programming that contains sexual themes, foul language, and other inappropriate materials.

“Please treat this matter with the due care and attention that is required in the circumstances,” it noted.

According to Douglas Wilson, president of the T&T Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA), in response, his organization and its members adhere to a code of conduct and support responsible broadcasting and self-regulation.

“That’s what we subscribe to,” he noted.

Wilson continued by saying that broadcasters are subject to the Telecommunications Act as well.

“We recognize there is freedom of expression as media houses, practicing broadcasting media and print media. However, we must be and will be responsible in how we discharge our duty to the public, so it’s not about censorship being the answer and I would like to steer everyone away from that,” he remarked.

Wilson clarified, though, that music is but one component of crime and violence.

“We have to start looking as a society at the quality of our leadership, homes, and parenting. We have to look at the entire system of justice which has failed the country,” he said.

Tova Satnarine-White, the Radio Commercial Manager of Guardian Media Limited, also provided commentary. Music has always been a means of expression, according to her.

“When individuals sing or writers produce material, they are doing so based on their lifestyle, their reality and/or what they believe their audience wants to hear. Our programming committees select music, based on genre, target audience, popularity, and audience feedback. The broadcast code has set the criteria for music in T&T and we support all artists within these guidelines,” she further explained.

Following the recent accusations of gang membership against two Trinibad artists, the topic of violent lyrics has gained attention.

Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali urged musicians in the area to emphasize positivity in their music during the beginning of the 46th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting last week. He also mentioned, in passing, a decision to prohibit some musicians from playing in his nation. Later, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley stated that although artists should clean up their lyrics, outright banning Trinibad music would not be a good idea.