May 2, 2013

Re: Transmission of Lyrics Inciting Violence against Homosexuals - DJ ICE Cordel: At 8:52pm on Tuesday April 30, 2013, the song Jamaica by Elephant Man was aired by DJ ICE of ZIP 103 FM and the following lyrics inciting violence against homosexuals transmitted over the public airwaves: No bwoy cyaa mek we run lef Jamaica, No bwoy cyaa mek we cut lef da end yah, A bare toppa top come from Jamaica, A bare weed man come from Jamaica, A we bun chi chi man inna Jamaica, A we bun glamatan inna Jamaica, A bare hot girls come from Jamaica, A bare okobit dey inna Jamaica The lyrics reference the intolerance and hostility toward gays and incitement of violence when they are caught. The content violated the Television & Sound Broadcasting Regulations, which state that no licensee shall permit to be transmitted (a) any matter in contravention of the Laws of Jamaica; (k) any matter which is likely to incite violence or criminal activity or lead to a breach of the peace and (l) any portrayal of violence which offends against good taste, decency or public morality and it qualifies for the rating Excessive Violence - V4 of the Childrens Programming Code: [where] (D) - Violence is portrayed as the primary means of resolving all problems. It is also portrayed or described as a heroic, glamorous activity, and the real, negative consequences of resort to violence are not included. Additionally, this transmission contravenes the February 20, 2009 Directives which states: (2). There shall not be transmitted through radio or television or cable services, any recording, live song or music video which promotes or glorifies any offence against the person such as murder, rape, mob violence and other offences such as arson. The reference to narcotics in this context incites and promotes the illegal use of weed, which also violates regulation 30 (a) & (k) of the Television & Sound Broadcasting Regulations. This material should not be broadcast at ANY time.