My good friend Dennis Howard needs to take another look at a few contradictions in his otherwise timely and interesting article on Payola recently published by the Observer (April 17, 2011: page 23).

The Broadcasting Commission notes the public statement by Nationwide News Network Limited that it intends to comply with the directive of the Commission issued yesterday for breach of licence and regulations.

The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica has directed the management of Nationwide News Network (NNN) Limited to immediately discontinue transmission of the radio programme 'Ragashanti Live' in its current daytime slot, that is, effective Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

The Broadcasting Commission has issued a warning to citizens not to engage with illegal cable service operators as this could land them in jail. The warning came at the Commission’s Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Kingston earlier today.

Both the President of the Senate, Prof. the Hon. Oswald Harding and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Delroy Chuck have congratulated the Broadcasting Commission on its consistent efforts to control and regulate inappropriate media content. The Parliamentary officials’ comments came during a recent visit by a delegation led by Commission Chairman, Professor Hopeton Dunn.

The death of John Maxwell on December 10 represents the passing of one of the most influential figures in the Jamaican media landscape for more than half a century.