THE PRESS Association of Jamaica (PAJ) launched National Journalism Week on Sunday with a service of thanksgiving at the Webster Memorial Church in Kingston.
Speaking on the theme 'Towards excellence in media', the Rev. Anthony Eldemire implored journalists to be responsible and sensitive in communicating to the society. He also urged the media to promote service and nation-building, while seeking to identify with the problems of today's youth.
Information Minister, Senator Burchell Whiteman, said that the press should not only report with truth and integrity, but also listen to the people and not be judgmental.
The PAJ will stage a number of events to mark National Journalism Week. The National Media Awards presentation ceremony highlighting the year's best output in print, radio and television reporting and production in Jamaica will be staged Saturday night at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston.
The keynote speaker will be Claude Robinson, O.D., research fellow at the Mona School of Business, University of the West Indies. Mr. Robinson once headed the former Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC).
The annual veteran's luncheon will be held today. Veteran press photographer, Headley 'Delmarr' Samuels, will be honoured.
