Submitted by DLP Supporter
The role of the media in sensitising persons to the issues germane to the well being of society cannot be questioned. The current world trend is for receivers of news to have access to multi sources. We have seen the development of the social media [ i reporter, Facebook , Twitter , Hi 5] take its place as a source of news. Today, persons on locations thousands of miles away can report on the truth as it unfolds. We saw how powerful the anti Obama news channels were in delivering on the anti Obama campaign but he survived because people also had an alternative in the many sources that were part of his campaign strategy.
In recent times, we have seen the local media rush to publish stories without getting the facts. While, we have so many advances in technology and access to information, how is it possible for the constant circulation and publication of misinformation in our small country? We are aware of the many BBC stories that raised concerns about the stewardship of the last administration which never saw the light of the day.
We have witnessed the full centre spread page on the coverage of the status of Transport Broad and how damming the quality of service was according to the big poll conducted by the Nation news paper. The Truth is the Nation newspaper has not been fair and balanced in their coverage of news regarding the state and its functionaries. Let’s examine two issues that received the centre spread in colour to illustrate the concern.
Issue No 1 Travel by Public officials. Did the media ever stop to investigate whether the travel accumulated to Ministers was personal or state travel? In other words, did the Minister pay his way for the travel the media attributes to him? The media must be given 10 points for the sensationalizing of the travel issue. We challenge the media to come back and report to us on the personal travel of Ronald Jones and his state engagements. Why not call the Minister of Finance and ask him who foots the bill for his SPONSORED trips to attends meetings. Of course, the media has the will to publish as it sees fit, however, the media house needs to get the facts.
Issue No 2 The recent centre page spread on the issue of cameras and bus service would have given one the impression that the Democratic Labour Party has just come to office and were installing cameras in buses to the disapproval of the Union and staff. Of course, the media will not tell you the buses in question were the last 2 outstanding buses to have cameras installed out of a fleet of nearly 300. The camera installation programme was started under the last administration and continued by the current DLP government. When the process began it was not news because the Opposition was in office. The Democratic Labour Party assumes office and at the end of the project, its centre spread. We leave the public to offer an opinion on this matter. The installation of cameras was not to spy on drivers but to ensure driver safety in event the bus or the driver becomes a victim of a senseless crime. Likewise passenger safety is an equal priority. Of course, we must thank the media for highlighting to one and all that cameras are on the buses. We challenge the media to conduct a genuine survey among travelling public to determine if they support the idea of cameras on buses and give it the same centre spread as they did the views of alleged drivers and spying cameras.
We want our society to develop and grow but we appeal to the media let’s get the facts
Leave a Reply to undeucatedCancel reply