Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
AT LEAST one journalist from Western Jamaica will benefit from professional training at the University of the West Indies, through a scholarship from the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA).
President of the association, Janet Silvera made the announcement at the official launch of the 'Professional Stars' press briefing at Sandals Montego Bay Tuesday. The concert will be held at the Half Moon Hotel on June 11. Several professionals are to be featured on the show, the proceeds of which will go towards funding the scholarship.
"Plans are far advanced as it relates to the staging of the event and we have already secured performance commitment from several professionals residing in Western Jamaica," Ms. Silvera said.
Guest speaker, Delano Franklyn, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, congratulated the WJMA for having the foresight to form such an association, citing that it was rare that media practitioners were able to represent themselves.
"I have always wondered, specifically as it relates to practitioners why we do not have categories of media persons."
"I believe that practitioners should examine whether or not they are overseeing the welfare of their members and should endeavour to review their members' salary packages to ensure they are in line with market demands," the Minister commented.
He said he believed that the time had come for practitioners to undertake a coordinated move to represent their members not only as writers but also in terms of salary packages.
MEDIA LANDSCAPE
Senator Franklyn said the media landscape in Jamaica had changed significantly over the last few years with the growth of print and electronic media houses, as well as cable television.
"As a result of what has happened on the Jamaican media landscape I am prepared to enter any discussion or negotiation that the media is the most influential sector in Jamaica today. I believe that the media's influence far outstrips our political parties," Senator Franklyn said.
The WJMA was formed in 2005 with a mandate to provide the necessary training facilities that will enhance and hone the skills of journalists based in Western Jamaica.
