Is The News Too Negative?
“Freedom of the press
is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.” - Walter Cronkite
For the most part Jamaica has had a relatively high ranking regarding press freedom. The most recent ranking for Jamaica places the island at number 8 of more than 180 countries. This achievement is to not to be taken lightly. In some jurisdictions journalists are imprisoned, attacked or even killed as they try to cover the news whether it is negative or positive. The month of November is observed for many important events; one of which is National Journalism Week in Jamaica. The topic for discussion this year was “Is the News Too Negative”? The Press Association of Jamaica forum was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. Among the sponsors were the National Integrity Action (NIA), Jamaica Broilers, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Canada and Jamaica Partnership. Ambassador Laurie Peters from Canada brought greetings. In her presentation to a packed ballroom consisting of mainly media practitioners, Ambassador Peters praised Jamaica for ranking close to the top in media freedom. She shared that in 2017 Canada passed the Journalistic Source Protection Act, known as Bill S-231 which allows journalists the right to refuse to disclose information or documents that could identify a source who has requested anonymity. Her colleague, the High Commissioner from England Asif Ahmad also brought greetings. Ambassador Ahmad said Jamaica should celebrate given its ranking in press freedom. He added that the press was outdated and had been replaced by the media. We are very much aware that there is a difference between traditional media and new media in this regards. It appears that many politicians for whatever reasons seems to be drifting towards new media, commonly referred to as social media to obtain news. It has become commonplace for many Heads of Government to have multiple social media platforms and as such readily communicate in that space with their followers. Ambassador Ahmad said the media is diverse and ranged from global conglomerates to an individual person. He singled out what he termed vested interests in media. He said these can be positive or work as a disadvantage. “The credibility of journalism is being challenged by fake news”, so says Ambassador Ahmad. Most of us can attest to this whether or not we are practicing media practitioners. There is a daily influx of news and in some cases the source of the news is questionable. As media practitioners we must be mindful of the various sources and outlets from which news can emerge. Ahmad added that democracy needs a vibrant media. He mentioned the Global Media Freedom co-hosted by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs. He remarked that the United Kingdom was fully committed to this initiative. According to the website public media alliance, media freedom is being eroded worldwide and trust in media is at an unprecedented low. The global media space is dominated by well-funded social media and entertainment brands. Populism is being fuelled by disinformation and misinformation. History has provided us with numerous lessons regarding the road to totalitarianism. This treacherous path oftentimes has its root in attacks on journalists and the wider media fraternity. It is important that we have a free and fair media in order to safeguard our democracy. Veteran journalist, Franklin McKnight in addressing the topic, said, journalism is about comforting the afflicted. He mentioned that law and order in the society has gone to hell. McKnight ended his presentation by stating the news was not on point, not being descriptive of the Jamaican society. He referenced the commercialization of areas such as, Molynes Gardens and Eastwood Park to support his claim that the news is not depicting what is happening in some regards. Donovan White, director of tourism, another panellist while acknowledging that some aspects of the news can be negative said great opportunities to tell positive stories in the news. Journalist and social commentator, Earl Moxam of the RJR Gleaner Communication Group remarked that it is important to get the news regardless of how negative some may deem it to be. It can be said that given Jamaica’s high murder rate the news being reported will have aspects of negatively occasionally. There are many Jamaicans who no longer watch the evening newscast; since they can no longer tolerate the diet of of murders, shootings, and robberies which have become a feature of our news.
Recently, Prime Minister Andrew Holness was scolded by The Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) and the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) after his pronouncements in what viewed as an attempt to undermine trust in the media. Holness said, "I make no comment on the opinions proffered by journalists, because that is the freedom of society. They can take whatever stance they want to take because it's free media, it doesn't have to be the truth. It doesn't have to relate to the facts, its their opinion. You can go on social media," he added. Unfortunately, we live in an era where the truth is often being interrogated and redefined to suit personal agendas. Media practitioners must guard their integrity and avoid falling prey to such vices. As media practitioners we should at all times behave in a professional and ethical manner. Jamaica’s media landscape is starved of investigative journalism. Many journalists shy away from reporting on corruption out of fear. As media practitioners we should report the truth whether or not it comes across as being negative. Have you made up your mind? Is the news too negative?
In the words of Barack Obama, we have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech, because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth.
@WayneCamo
For the most part Jamaica has had a relatively high ranking regarding press freedom. The most recent ranking for Jamaica places the island at number 8 of more than 180 countries. This achievement is to not to be taken lightly. In some jurisdictions journalists are imprisoned, attacked or even killed as they try to cover the news whether it is negative or positive. The month of November is observed for many important events; one of which is National Journalism Week in Jamaica. The topic for discussion this year was “Is the News Too Negative”? The Press Association of Jamaica forum was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. Among the sponsors were the National Integrity Action (NIA), Jamaica Broilers, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Canada and Jamaica Partnership. Ambassador Laurie Peters from Canada brought greetings. In her presentation to a packed ballroom consisting of mainly media practitioners, Ambassador Peters praised Jamaica for ranking close to the top in media freedom. She shared that in 2017 Canada passed the Journalistic Source Protection Act, known as Bill S-231 which allows journalists the right to refuse to disclose information or documents that could identify a source who has requested anonymity. Her colleague, the High Commissioner from England Asif Ahmad also brought greetings. Ambassador Ahmad said Jamaica should celebrate given its ranking in press freedom. He added that the press was outdated and had been replaced by the media. We are very much aware that there is a difference between traditional media and new media in this regards. It appears that many politicians for whatever reasons seems to be drifting towards new media, commonly referred to as social media to obtain news. It has become commonplace for many Heads of Government to have multiple social media platforms and as such readily communicate in that space with their followers. Ambassador Ahmad said the media is diverse and ranged from global conglomerates to an individual person. He singled out what he termed vested interests in media. He said these can be positive or work as a disadvantage. “The credibility of journalism is being challenged by fake news”, so says Ambassador Ahmad. Most of us can attest to this whether or not we are practicing media practitioners. There is a daily influx of news and in some cases the source of the news is questionable. As media practitioners we must be mindful of the various sources and outlets from which news can emerge. Ahmad added that democracy needs a vibrant media. He mentioned the Global Media Freedom co-hosted by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs. He remarked that the United Kingdom was fully committed to this initiative. According to the website public media alliance, media freedom is being eroded worldwide and trust in media is at an unprecedented low. The global media space is dominated by well-funded social media and entertainment brands. Populism is being fuelled by disinformation and misinformation. History has provided us with numerous lessons regarding the road to totalitarianism. This treacherous path oftentimes has its root in attacks on journalists and the wider media fraternity. It is important that we have a free and fair media in order to safeguard our democracy. Veteran journalist, Franklin McKnight in addressing the topic, said, journalism is about comforting the afflicted. He mentioned that law and order in the society has gone to hell. McKnight ended his presentation by stating the news was not on point, not being descriptive of the Jamaican society. He referenced the commercialization of areas such as, Molynes Gardens and Eastwood Park to support his claim that the news is not depicting what is happening in some regards. Donovan White, director of tourism, another panellist while acknowledging that some aspects of the news can be negative said great opportunities to tell positive stories in the news. Journalist and social commentator, Earl Moxam of the RJR Gleaner Communication Group remarked that it is important to get the news regardless of how negative some may deem it to be. It can be said that given Jamaica’s high murder rate the news being reported will have aspects of negatively occasionally. There are many Jamaicans who no longer watch the evening newscast; since they can no longer tolerate the diet of of murders, shootings, and robberies which have become a feature of our news.
Recently, Prime Minister Andrew Holness was scolded by The Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) and the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) after his pronouncements in what viewed as an attempt to undermine trust in the media. Holness said, "I make no comment on the opinions proffered by journalists, because that is the freedom of society. They can take whatever stance they want to take because it's free media, it doesn't have to be the truth. It doesn't have to relate to the facts, its their opinion. You can go on social media," he added. Unfortunately, we live in an era where the truth is often being interrogated and redefined to suit personal agendas. Media practitioners must guard their integrity and avoid falling prey to such vices. As media practitioners we should at all times behave in a professional and ethical manner. Jamaica’s media landscape is starved of investigative journalism. Many journalists shy away from reporting on corruption out of fear. As media practitioners we should report the truth whether or not it comes across as being negative. Have you made up your mind? Is the news too negative?
In the words of Barack Obama, we have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech, because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth.
Wayne
Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in
development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com@WayneCamo
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