THE EDITOR, Sir:I REFER to the 'Letter of the Day' for Monday, October 18 and join with the writer John A. Maxwell and other like-minded persons in supporting the decision by corporate businesses to withdraw sponsorship from those misguided elements in the entertainment industry who seem bent on perverting dancehall music to promulgate their doctrine of hatred and violence.
I would like to see the media (notably radio and television) and the advertising fraternity follow this lead by putting into practice a strict code of conduct within their ranks that will ensure the elimination of the crass, vulgar and often offensive portrayals that are seen and heard in too many of the productions that they put out for public consumption.
And while I am at it, what, may I ask, is the role of the Broadcasting Commission in the scheme of things? Can it not insist on the maintenance of proper standards and take action that will make a difference when breaches are committed?
Our country is in dire need of role models of decency. Given the pervasiveness and their appeal to young impressionable minds, the electronic media are well poised to fill this yawning gap. However, if the media
continue to fail to step up to the challenge by persisting in a myopic focus on making money at any cost, then we are doomed as a people; this, despite the most valiant efforts of the Prime Minister's campaign to inculcate positive values and attitudes.
I am, etc.,
DEVON GRANT
Lot 502, 8 West
Greater Portmore P.O., St. Catherine
