THREE veteran journalists were yesterday inducted into the Press Association of Jamaica’s (PAJ’s) inaugural Hall of Fame, which was launched at the Courleigh Hotel in St Andrew in celebration of World Press Freedom Day.

The three are the late Hugh Crosskill, Theodore Sealy and Len Nemphard. Crosskill was a renowned broadcast journalist; Sealy a former editor-in-chief at the Gleaner newspaper, while Nembhard was the editor of the now defunct Jamaica Times newspaper.

All three were rewarded for their contribution to the profession.

The launch was marked by a breakfast, which was hosted by the PAJ, the Media Association of Jamaica, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

It was held under the theme ‘New Voices: Media Freedom Helping to Transform Societies’.

Erica Virtue, first vice-president of the PAJ, described yesterday’s occasion as one of the few times in which Jamaican journalists are recognised for their efforts and accomplishments. This infrequency must cease, she said, arguing that the works of our stalwart media practitioners must be recognised and immortalised.

“When it comes to documenting the histories of the members of this profession, there is almost a reluctance to do so, while other professions rely on our work to honour their stalwarts,” she said.

“We say we are not the news. The news is not about telling our stories; it’s about telling other people’s stories. Sadly, that is why very little is known about those who have distinguished themselves in Jamaica’s journalism,” she said. “So today begins the process of change. This is not a campaign speech of promises; instead it is the promise of a campaign to keep our history alive,” Virtue continued before highlighting the works of each inductee via a video montage.

She said of Crosskill: “He was one of the best voices in broadcast journalism… He had a voice of command. A quick thinker, and one of the best analytical minds of the profession.”

She described Sealy as a decorated journalist, “who gained the admiration of his colleagues both in and outside of the media”. In the meantime, she hailed Nembhard, “the giant” as one of Jamaica’s most outstanding journalist, sub-editor, editor, writer and historian.

Managing director of Nationwide News Network Cliff Hughes urged more journalists and societies at large to better engage social media to spur socio-political and economic changes. He said also that journalists should increase awareness among members of the public about the opportunities for economical and entrepreneural development through social media.

He also outlined some of the challenges that members of the press face in carrying out their duties.