Grenada Today (Archive) Week ending May 23rd, 2009 Restating commitment to Information act
GRENADA TODAY - Week ending May 23rd, 2009
The 10-month old government of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas campaign promise to implement a Freedom of Information Act is well underway. During the opening of a two-day Caribbean Media and Communication Conference held at the Flamboyant Hotel last week Thursday and Friday, the Prime Minister disclosed that his government has already circulated a draft Freedom of Information Act for inputs and feedback.
He told the gathering of over 30 regional journalists/broadcasters together with local media practitioners that the choice of Grenada to hold this Conference is timely as his administration is currently engaging stakeholders on a proposed freedom of information act and is about to commence engagement on a new media policy.
Prime Minister Thomas said it is the position of his government that the role of the media is critical in facilitating the exchange of views and that this facilitation is absolutely necessary to improve governance and ultimately deepen and strengthen the democratic process. However, he highlighted what he deemed to be glaring evidence of sensationalism and bias on the part of media practitioners in Grenada.
He made reference to a “Breaking News” story that was broadcast by a senior journalist at the partially government-owned Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN) which reported “an unfounded rumour”. According to Prime Minister Thomas, the situation was further compounded with a subsequent follow up story without any attempt at verification from the authoritative source.
“This colossal error which had the potential for public disquiet given its national sensitivity was not remedied”, he said. The NDC administration had written to GBN’s management seeking an explanation for the story but is still waiting on an official response. PM Thomas charged that the country is also witnessing the blatant misuse of paid programming to project the unbridled and sometimes disgusting utterances of many within society.
“Some media houses seem to think that a mere disclaimer appendage, is sufficient to absolve them from the need to adhere to high ethical behavior and standards”, he said. “Disc jockeys and other hosts promulgate music and programmes that appear to appeal to the young without due consideration to traditional values, ethics, civics, our heritage, patriotism and national pride”, he added.
The main opposition New National Party (NNP) of ex-Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell has been hosting several programmes on local FM radio stations ventilating their feelings against the current administration. Prime Minister Thomas said there is an urgent need for an overreaching policy to govern regional media. He lamented on the critical role of the media in facilitating the exchange of views, giving voice to the voiceless and empowering the marginalised and disadvantaged which is absolutely necessary to improve governance and ultimately deepen and strengthen the democratic process.
However, he noted that the proliferation and the modus operandi of many operators, have led to a number of concerns being articulated such as the changing role of the media and what role it should or needs to play in the national development process. “Issues over programming content, management style and capability, standards and operating philosophy are being questioned. Some glaring occurrences in Grenada have served to highlight key concerns,” he remarked.
The prime minister noted that there is a need for comprehensive training, as well as an across the board commitment to adopting improved standards and practices. “Media owners in particular need to better understand their roles and responsibilities as well as the impact they have on our societies”, he said.
“All stakeholders need to be aware of their collective responsibility to pursue continuous dialogue if we are to maintain appropriate checks and balances”, PM Thomas told media practitioners.
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