The former chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB) is defending his performance over the last five years, claiming annual operating expenses fell from $18 million to $12 million.
Michael Moss, who also served as chairman of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), said this reduction in operating expenses at BCB (commonly referred to as ZNS) caused the government's subsidy to be "significantly reduced".
In all, Moss submitted a 12-point document outlining his achievements as chairman from 2007 to 2012. He noted a number of cost-saving measures, including the renegotiation of an agreement for satellite uplink services that brought a $1 million bill down to $330,000. Vehicle, property and all-risks insurance was also brought down by more than $250,000 through "competitive bidding", according to Moss.
BCB also went through a restructuring whereby the workforce was brought down to less than 180, from 280, "yielding a concomitant $4 million reduction in annual operating expenses".
The chairman said staff in New Providence was merged into a single building for television. The vacant building, he explained, was subsequently leased out, which produced revenue and reduced expenses.
Moss also listed negotiation with the Performing Rights Society (PRS) to have a "previously ignored" injunction withdrawn as one of his key accomplishments. Past failures to pay royalties to artists were forgiven by BCB paying $500,000 over four years.
"A single, further payment of $500,000 is to be paid to fully satisfy details of the agreement otherwise a severe, financial penalty will result," Moss explained.
From an over-arching perspective, Moss claims he "commenced and significantly advanced" the network's move from advancing the priorities of the state to becoming a public service broadcaster. A technical transformation from analog to high-definition digital broadcast has also occurred, he said.
Accounts for 2011 are awaiting audit, Moss admitted, although under his tenure he insists the company has cleared a backlog of neglected financial reports, including the years 2003 up to 2010.
"The accounts were subjected to audit in quick succession. Hence, a normal benefit of having accounts audited annually and being responsive to audit concerns expressed in a proper year's audit, could to be taken advantage of. Many of the accounts have therefore attracted similar audit commentary," Moss told Guardian Business.
Fiscal discipline and a review of monthly management accounts were tasks enforced during his tenure, according to the former chairman.
Back in April, The Nassau Guardian reported that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) paid $170,000 of the years-long $248,000 debt.
Moss confirmed that the PLP settled the debt with the corporation leading up to the 2012 general election.
A further debt was contested with the party. Moss stated at the time that, in the spirit of compromise, "the corporation has allowed the PLP to settle that portion of the debt".
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