The Editor, Sir:

I must commend Mr. Dudley McFarlane for his 'Letter of the Day' regarding the poor quality of music currently being played on the airwaves.

I fully share his wish to "turn on the radio night or day and simply enjoy music that is not a pain to one's ears because a DJ wants to 'jack it up' or is encouraging a young gullible boy to be a 'gangsta for life'". The electronic media, in particular, has a responsibility to the nation to transmit edifying songs and programmes, because we are an oral society, therefore, radio presentations are the ones that have the most far-reaching impact on our people, especially the young.

If we continue to play songs which advocate violence, which tell young people to 'step inna dem face', 'bun out X', etc., we should not be surprised if they are permanently in fighting mode and have no concept of how to go about conflict resolution in a peaceful manner. These entertainers who are their primary role models are, for the most part, uneducated, promiscuous, violent, substance abusers. As witnessed in recent Sunday Gleaner articles, most of them are not even interested in the electoral process, hence, the absence of songs giving social commentary or even a humorous spin on current affairs.

It is not sufficient to attribute responsibility to the Broadcasting Commission. The artistes, producers, disc jockeys, sound system operators and media bosses must begin to treat this matter with the seriousness which it deserves, if we really want to see a behaviour change in this country.

I am, etc.,

K. HENRY

Portmore