This column is pleased to recognise and pay tribute to my colleague journalist Ian Boyne whose television programme Profile commemorates its 25th anniversary today, February 22, 2012. I am aware that a lot was written in both Sunday papers on February 19 in observance of that milestone, but today being the actual anniversary date, I think it is fitting that this column registers its own tribute to a deserving colleague.

About two weeks ago Ian and I exchanged e-mails in which, among other things, he reminded me that we have known each other for about 36 years, dating back to his early days at the Jamaica Information Service, some five years into my own sojourn there. It has been a long road between then and now, and I am delighted that he is being recognised for the enormous contribution he continues to make as a journalist in both the print and electronic media. There is absolutely no doubt that he fully deserved the Order of Distinction, Commander Class, awarded in 2009 for his services to journalism. Over the years he has also received several annual awards from the Press Association of Jamaica for his work in both the print and electronic media.

In those early years at the JIS, I recall that Ian showed much promise of a successful media career. When he enrolled at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication after several years at the JIS, he would be forgiven if he felt then that a university degree would add very little to his intellectual development or to his career goals. I do recall reading some glowing comments written on one of his A-graded term papers at Carimac by one of his lecturers, John Hearne. I am not at all surprised that print journalism is his preferred specialty. This is certainly the forum that provides him with scope for parading his vast storehouse of information acquired through a voracious appetite for reading. He has been a newspaper columnist for many more years, including one on religion, and his often controversial comments have at times attracted criticisms, which he has weathered well up to this point in time.

Ian displays strong telegenic qualities in both programmes which he hosts, Religious Hard Talk and Profile. The latter, however, seems to have earned him more recognition, evidenced by the favourable and widespread comments from audiences.

Broadcast weekly on Television Jamaica (TVJ), Profile is described in one of its promotional blurbs as an inspirational, motivational interview programme. We are told that it has consistently attracted the strongest audience ratings, which is no mean achievement. Much of the credit for this is due to Boyne’s inquisitive probing as host as well as producer. Ian is not bashful about comparing his show with those hosted by some of the titans on the North American cable network, especially Larry King, Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue, but in my view, in this way he does himself a disservice because Profile has a more unique brand.

On the local network, there have been other similar high-quality productions in earlier years, such as the John Acquart show and Roy Brown’s high-quality production Trails, but nobody has done what Ian does, certainly not as successfully. Besides longevity, Profile has achieved a unique definition that puts it in a class by itself. While in its preliminary years it focused on a “from rags to riches” theme, the programme has evolved beyond that to become a valuable research tool for people interested in information about the pervasiveness of Brand Jamaica in unexpected areas such as nuclear physics, medicine, and human resource development. While it still highlights success stories of its interviewees, unlike most other personality interviews which feature previously established stars, Profile has been especially successful in locating “rare personality gems” and introducing them to the nation. The outgoing TVJ manager’s assessment is well founded, that Profile hits “a sweet spot” and has carved out its own niche. With feedback such as that, one believes that Ian can comfortably expect to surpass Larry King’s 50-year record as host of his own personality interview show. Kudos, Ian, and stay blessed.

Webster United song fest

The Webster United Church hosted a phenomenal concert-type service on February 19 that deserved media attention, which it somehow failed to attract. Billed as a Valentine Sunday production, the service/concert had as its theme “Expressions of Love” and is the second such function in as many years. It featured four hours of non-stop, unbelievable stellar performances – singing, dancing, prose and preaching; compered by the indefatigable Fae Ellington. One might be forgiven the thought that after last Sunday’s event, the church, certainly Webster’s, can never be quite the same again – in a positive sense.

Billed to start at 5:30 pm, the function actually took off from 5:15 with preliminary performances. Its high-profile presentations included performances by Curtis Watson and the Brandburg Singers, the Tivoli dancers, Avenia Powell, Webster’s Junior Dancers, representatives of the Calabar Primary School cultural team, Allison Roberts, Roy Rayon and Karen Smith. There were several high points as the show just kept getting hotter and hotter. Midway through, when the Praise Singers took to the platform, the audience was on its feet, caught up in the singing and dancing. During all of this there were scripture readings and prayers. In addition, Revered Astor Carlyle delivered a wonderfully moving 20-minute sermon on the theme of love that not only contextualised the production but resonated with his audience.

When Roy Rayon closed his act with Give thanks and Praises, the audience might well have been satisfied. Then came Karen Smith who belted out a combination of past and contemporary hits, leaving the audience screaming for more. When she attempted her fifth item by releasing the first word “I”, the congregation exploded in anticipation of what was to come – Whitney Houston’s classic I will always love you. But the function did not end on Karen Smith’s exit. The performance that effectively brought the curtains down – nearly – was a mind-stopping rendition by Rev Carlyle (nattily attired) of She’s Royal in serenading his wife Keisha. It was nearly too much. He deservedly got an encore and dutifully obliged. It was left to the Brandburg Singers to calm things down with a wonderful rendition of The Lord Bless you and keep you.