TTT local programmes stay with CNMG

PRODUCERS of local programmes on the National Broadcasting Network’s (NBN) TTT have decided to keep their programmes for airing on the Caribbean New Media Group Ltd (CNMG) when the entity comes on stream later this year. As a result of their decision, programmes like Mastana Bahar, Scouting for Talent, Twelve and Under, Indian Variety and Dateline will not be seen on any other station when TTT goes off air next Friday. Khayal Mohammed, producer of Mastana Bahar told Newsday yesterday that local producers were given assurances that their shows will be included on the CNMG programme schedule. He said they have very “high hopes” that the officials’ word will be kept.

However, Mohammed said if the officials renege on their promise “and not allow us to be included on the programme schedules, it will be a different matter.” In the case of Mastana Bahar, Mohammed said they will be patient, since they have been with TTT for 34 years. He said there is loyalty to the company and the fact that the CNMG is a State company influenced their decision. He is also hopeful that some of the old staff who assisted with the programme will be re-employed by CNMG, “since they know the workings of the programme.”

Mohammed said it is the first time that Mastana and other local shows will be off the air since their inception, but producers are very eager to start with the CNMG. He said the 2004 series of Mastana has been completed and sponsors have indicated their continued support for the programme, pledging their assistance when it restarts. While the producers would have patented their programmes, one source at NBN said there was concern about the formats of the radio programmes being taken by other radio licence holders. Programming on TTT and all of NBN’s radio networks will continue to be aired as normal until next Friday’s closure. Government has indicated that when NBN closes its doors next week, it will take at least six months before the new CNMG begins broadcasting.