Dear Editor,

I commend TVJ for their recent leap into big league global television and for their ever-growing portfolio of high-quality, entertaining local shows. The recent Smile Jamaica/Today Show was a joy to watch; it made Jamaicans proud to see professional presentations of our local talent and products on the world stage. Now there’s a deal with CNN that opens the door for Jamaica’s news and entertainment programmes and training opportunities for local journalists. Surely, this is news we can use!

Insofar as local programmes are concerned, it is obvious that TVJ’s management pays attention to standards, as the content and production quality more than pass muster consistently. The Easter Sunday selection of programmes was really superb with live Carifta Games, the magnificent Layers of Soul series with vintage artiste Leroy Sibbles followed by Fun in the Son that had hundreds of young people singing high praises to their Lord. TVJ’s excellent local programmes include Smile Jamaica with Simon, Neville and the ladies, which everybody seems to be watching these days because the show is intelligent and “laugh out loud” funny. The Contender series is a real game changer that single-handedly has revived boxing from years as the athletics stepchild. Hidden Treasures beautifully showcases little-known Jamaican gems, Nyammins has a lovely host, interesting guests and great food. Even Magnum Kings and Queens manages to showcase dancehall and inner city without being vulgar, lewd or crass.

I can only imagine the pressure that TVJ resists not to bolt down the same highway as some broadcasters that pander to gluttonous appetites for slack and crass, vile and vulgar, under the guise that they are merely “givin’ di people wat dem want” shows, with nary a concern about the lethal damage to culture, values and conduct that result from their conscious choices.

BJ Bramwell

rev.bjbrammy1977@live.com