Journalists examine problems facing Caribbean media

THE FOURTH Carib-bean Media Conference ended on Saturday at the Grand Beach Resort, Grenada, with a number of resolutions, the chief among which was the unanimous support for the Grenadian media in resisting the proposed Government-imposed code of practice.

Over the three days of the conference, some 100 journalists, editors and observers from the English, Spanish and French-speaking Caribbean participated to discuss a number of issues. Some of the more eminent publishers including Lester Spaulding, Oliver Clarke, Ken Gordon, David de Caires were present at the varied panel discussions which included: the role of state owned media and society, the issue of Caribbean unity through journalism, and the problems of sports reporting.

Several issues of immediate importance were raised, including the problems of journalistic quality, low salaries, and the problems of retaining new talent. The consensus was that journalists needed to be properly trained, but the problems went further than that into areas of management and approach to the business of journalism. Caribbean journalism was something, it was agreed, that was struggling for its existence, and only travel within the region, further training, and the resistance of insularity among managers and publishers could cure this.

The keynote addresses at the conference were delivered by Prime Minister of Grenada ­ Dr. Keith Mitchell, who opened the conference on Thursday night, and the following morning ­ Ralph Maraj, Minister of Telecommunications in the Trinidad and Tobago Govern-ment, spoke of the role of State Owned Media in the Caribbean.

Dr. Mitchell, responding to the controversy about the code of practice which the Grenada Government was contemplating, said it was not his Government's intention to dictate a code to the media, but the media had that responsibility, which he felt it was not carrying out.

Mr. Maraj said he felt the media should take a more educational role in guiding the population away from politics and into cultural awareness. He said he saw the leadership role moving away from politicians.

The conference ended with the formation of a committee of publishers and broadcasters, and the appointment of Ainsley Sahai to follow through on the work of the committee, which would be primarily concerned with press freedom advocacy regionally.

Grenadian journalist, Alister Hughes was presented with a special award by Ken Gordon for his lifetime service to journalism.

The next media conference will convene in Antigua next year.

Specific resolutions of Media Conference

That the next conference will be held in Antigua, and the one following that will be held in Guadeloupe following invitations from media practitioners in those territories.

That there is a need to address the issue of low salaries, low quality, and the difficulties of attracting and keeping new talent in journalism regionally.

That a press release be issued supporting the Grenadian media in their efforts against the Government's instituting a code of practice.

That the conference does not support any form of Government intervention in drafting codes of conduct for media houses, and the media work toward self-regulation. That a strong call should be issued for the establishment of a Freedom of Information Act in each country in the region. The Governments should be encouraged to divest their holdings in media houses, and that where the Government owns media, those media should be free from political control as far as content and policy concerned.

That media technology solutions are needed for low-technology rural communities, which abound in the Caribbean.

That the media become more sensitive to the needs of young people (below age 25) and at the next conference, there should be at least one (1) panel discussion, which involves the participation of young people.

That there should be a watchdog committee comprising the Chairmen of the two (2) previous conferences and the next to look out for attempts against Press Freedom and look out for the interests of publishers and broadcasters in the Caribbean, who are the subjects of attack in this connection.

That Ainsley Sahai be employed on a part-time basis to follow through on the recommendations of the conference and the business of the publishers and broadcasters committee.

That the conference supported the movements in Caricom territories to allow the free movement of media workers.

That the conference in some way advocate the meeting of regional information ministers who have not met in ten (10) years, and ask that media/conference representatives be invited to the meeting.

That economic issues affecting the media which lead to salary, equipment, and travel constraints, be addressed at the next conference.

That the role of information services and their relationship with the media be discussed at the next conference.

Back to Lead Stories