National Carnival Commission chairman Allison Demas last night said the Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) will be broadcasting this year’s major Carnival events. In a statement, Demas said CNMG had been granted exclusive rights for TV broadcast of major Carnival events and non exclusive streaming rights, following negotiations facilitated by Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Lincoln Douglas and Minister of Communications Jamal Mohammed.
Speaking about the ministers’ input in the negotiations, Demas said: “It’s great to have a Minister who supports and understands the needs of the creative community and a Minister of Communications who respects the social, cultural and economic importance of Carnival.”
Earlier in the day, Demas was hopeful of reaching a quick agreement, especially in the wake of an impasse between CNMG and Pan Trinbago which resulted in a blackout of Sunday’s national Panorama semifinal. “We are working towards a resolution of the issue regarding broadcast rights for Carnival 2013. It’s a balancing act between upholding the value of the Carnival product and providing public access via broadcast and Internet,” she said.
Replies
I would like to see the single/small finals televised in full as well. Seems if you aren't a large band, they don't give a shit about you (that includes medium; see 2009 when medium and small finals were on a Wednesday and didn't even get TV coverage).
Through all these deiberations and discussions pls. remember that there are senior citizens, shut-ins, the disabled and ill who cannot journey to the Savannah to hear their Pan, see Mas and enjoy the festivities. They deserve to have their tax dollars work for them too.
Bring the coverage on T.V and via the Internet - after all we are in the 21st. century .After 50yrs.-the lack of live coverage makes me wonder if Pan Trinbago is really serious about having an International festival next year( as Mr. Diaz so proudly stated on T.V) if they can't even make arrangements for a local yearly festival.
Stephanie;
I agree with your implication that Pan Trinbago also bears responsibility for the faiilure to have carnival events broadcast live on TV. That must surely be one of the organisation's purposes -- to ensure access of the entire population to said events.
Peter
Gone are the days when you could simply watch carnival on your TV ... seems it's no longer the primary national event it used to be.
Peter