I crave your indulgence by way of raising the issue of the quality of local media and by extension the existing caliber of local journalist. Wikipedia defines a journalist as a person who "collects and disseminates information about current events, people, trends and issues? By extension, such work is acknowledged as journalism. Journalists are often expected to report in the most objective and unbiased way and in so doing they serve and enhance the public good. Irrespective of language or culture, good journalists share a common commitment to search for the truth.
In light of this understanding, can there be such a thing as "opinion journalism" Is this not an oxymoron? Or does this phrase speak to what is referred to as "polemical journalism?" I ask these questions because of what I perceive to be a continuing trend of marked deterioration in the quality and standard of "reporting" that exists in this country over the entire spectrum of existing media coverage. So obvious are the perceived biases that exist among the many media houses in this country that one can literally choose to listen to a "pro-government" or "anti-government" radio or TV station. The very same can be said of the print media. Against this background, there have been recent calls from a group of journalists based in Barbados I believe, for relaxation of the laws that pertain to defamation and libel. God forbid that this should ever happen.
All of this considered, I recently heard a radio advertisement that called for applications for the study of "announcer" the course spans three months! Journalists and the media serve to inform the general public who in turn and based on what is reported, form their opinion on issues. The role of the media is not to influence public opinion one way or the other-that is propaganda. The role of the local media association-the body that regulates that profession-should include reminding its membership of their fiduciary obligation. What power does MATT possess in the way of censure for breaches of professional ethic? Is there any organisation locally that has such power to set standards?
There is an urgent need for a comprehensive investigation and scientific study of the media and journalistic standards in this country with a view to the establishment of a set of enforceable standards of ethics, and the inculcation of professional responsibilities of journalists that must be balanced against the rights of freedom of speech and individual expression. What currently exists here cannot be defined under the rubric of journalism.
Steve Smith
Via e-mail
