THE Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) has discounted claims that an agreement was reached between itself and the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica for the introduction of a child alert system to expedite the recovery of missing children.

The MAJ, in a release on Tuesday, sought to clarify the claim which was made in a release issued by the commission on November 6 that an agreement was secured from cable operators and broadcasters across the island for their co-operation in the immediate activation of the alert system.

"The Media Association notes that no agreement, whether in principle or substance, has been reached between the Media Association and the Broadcasting Commission with respect to a child alert system to expedite the recovery of children reported missing," the release said.

The MAJ said while the commission's chairman, Dr Hopeton Dunn - at a November 6 meeting to discuss broadcasting standards - had mentioned the high levels of violence against Jamaica's children and the desire to have the support of broadcasters in devising some type of alert system, no discussion ensued on the matter.

It said based on feedback, the association recognised that the Broadcasting Commission's press release may have given the impression that broadcasters have been slow in supporting efforts to expedite the recovery of children reported missing. The MAJ further pointed out that its members have a 'long history of providing free publicity and production resources to numerous child safety initiatives'.
"It is therefore timely to put aside our modesty and highlight that our members provide substantial financial and technical support to various initiatives to prevent violence against children, to expedite the recovery of missing children, and to swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators of violence against children.

Broadcasters frequently air stories on missing and murdered children in the main newscasts and partner with the police to seek public assistance in solving these crimes," it said.

Furthermore, the MAJ said its members remained committed to continue the high levels of support to make Jamaica a safe and nurturing place for children through initiatives such as Crime Stop, the Save the Children Fund, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Hear the Children's Cry, and Hilton Kids, among others.

In chiding the Broadcasting Commission, the MAJ said it was its firm belief that regulatory bodies should maintain focus and stick to their core function.

"If regulators suggest activities that are outside of their regulatory scope, especially if those suggestions are misleading or badly communicated, one could get to a position where the regulatory lines are blurred, confused or removed," it pointed out.

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