PASTOR Dr David Henry yesterday challenged members of the media to be committed to integrity, honesty, fairness, impartiality, justice, and righteousness and to also advocate for truth.

The head of the Swallowfield Chapel in St Andrew, during his sermon yesterday at the National Journalism Week church service, urged individuals who are in a position of power, including media personnel, to fight for truth and take the issue of truth seriously.

“Truth is a double-edged sword; it challenges all of us, including the preacher, to live by God’s standards regardless of one’s political association or any other persuasion,” he said.

He also implored the media to commit to being crusaders for the disadvantaged in society, the poor, and the voiceless, and to also pursue justice and truth.

At the same time, Pastor Henry said, given the fact that every influential association or group has an agenda, the press should also be truthful and be clear regarding its world view and agenda

“…In a market-place of contending, oftentimes conflicting and contentious world views opinions and agendas, in a context where the powerful will seek to control and unduly influence the society for their self-serving ends, what of the press itself?” he asked

The clergyman also warned the media, Government and other powerful groups not to use their positions to exploit the weak and to “fatten our coffers”.

“We must never use our position of power, or wealth or comparative advantage or dominant position in the marketplace or position of authority, whether it be Government or otherwise, to exploit others, and in particularly the poor, the weak, and the vulnerable,” he said. “We each need to be guided by God’s standard regarding justice. We need to challenge and confront others including ourselves in whatever sphere we are; in the church, justice system, the police, Government, the media. We all need to turn from the things that displease God; it is called sin, injustice, corruption and exploitation and immorality.”

He pointed out that Jamaica has a history of abusing State funds and urged the media to ensure that they become the vanguard by ensuring that corruption ‘becomes a thing of the past’.

Activities for National Journalism Week are being held from November 20 to November 26 under the theme ‘Media Ethics and Modern Media’.

In keeping with the theme, president of Press Association of Jamaica, Dionne Jackson-Miller invited members of the public to join the organisation at a panel discussion at 6:00 this evening Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in St Andrew. This year’s topic ‘Grief Porn: Journalism ethics in the media coverage of mourning’, will focus on the globally significant issue of how media covers traumatic events.

Governor General Patrick Allen, in his National Journalism Week message, commended the media for keeping the public informed and for encouraging thoughtful analysis on issues that affect all citizens.

He also hailed the media for embracing its responsibility in upholding the democratic principles and, increasingly, through its members, in giving a voice to those who wish to share in public dialogue.

“This year’s theme addresses a critical element of our development as a people. In focusing on “Modern Ethics and Modern Media”, it draws attention to the importance of principles, values and professionalism on the one hand and on the other, the power, the opportunities and the challenges of modern technology and new approaches now being experienced by the ‘Fourth Estate’,” the governor general added.