Crime Watch gets a failing grade from MATT

A week after a local television host aired graphic video footage sensationalising an alleged sexual assault of a minor, the Media Association of T&T is condemning the airing, describing it as a violation of the child’s rights by national television. In a statement, MATT says the broadcast was aired in prime time and created outrage among the populace. “This broadcast, the times when it was aired, and the sensational manner in which the material was presented, outraged many members of the community,” MATT said.

It added: “The Media Association shares this outrage and believes that compassion for the victim and basic human decency would deem this material completely inappropriate for broadcast. Therefore, we join in condemning this repeated broadcast of what purports to be a very serious criminal assault on a minor.” “While the programme in question highlights and advocates solutions to crime and victims’ rights, in this instance, the broadcasting of this video has further violated the child victim,” MATT officials explained. However, MATT added that “whether or not the law and the guidelines set by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago have also been broken, is a matter for legal experts.”

According to MATT, one of the primary responsibilities of the Media Association is to promote and protect the freedom of the press as a vital arm of our democratic society. “The association believes that the media, in a civilised society, must remain free to publish and broadcast any material they feel to be in the public interest.” However, the organisation called on radio and television presenters as well as media owners to exercise responsibility. “They should at all times be guided by the international best practices of media ethics, the law, good taste and the public interest.”

The association also expressed concern about “the lack of training, qualifications and experience among some of those who are currently given access to the airwaves, but who can by no means be described as professional journalists.” “Populations at home and around the world now have access to affordable technology that can capture video and photographs. Media owners should provide training for their newsroom staff and, where necessary, freelance presenters, in the ethical and legal use of these images and other material that they are considering for publication or broadcast,” MATT added. The Association said this is essential if the professional, ethical and legal standards of the media are to be upheld.