Dear Editor,

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) came out in support of its members and member institutions this week following comments made by Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine South Western Everald Warmington criticising the media.

Speaking at a recent JLP divisional conference, Warmington accused the media and the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) of attempting to destroy Prime Minister Andrew Holness as they did two former JLP heads of Government — Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding.

“… [T]he media and the PNP set themselves [now] to destroy the greatest leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, Andrew Holness. As I said before and said years ago, and was chastised by some of them, the Gleaner Company and RJR is seeking to destroy Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party,” he charged.

The PAJ, in a press release, expressed profound concern about the claims purported by supporters of the country’s two main political parties against journalists and media houses, noting that their pronouncements could have deeper implications for the profession and media practitioners.

The PAJ also raised concern about a seemingly doctored video circulating online, which falsely accuses the chairman of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group of directing editorial policy and links journalists at The Gleaner to the PNP. It has also been said on social media that the deputy managing director of the Jamaica Observer directs editorial policy, which is a conflict of interest, as she is the spouse of a government minister.

The PAJ is within its rights to defend the standards and integrity of its colleagues and affiliated institutions. The PAJ said it “stands in solidarity with its colleagues and rejects any attempts to politicise journalism or intimidate media practitioners”.

No attacks on the media should be tolerated or condoned. Attacking the press is certainly not good for any democracy. However, the PAJ must at the same time acknowledge that media houses and practitioners are not above criticism. In fact, journalists opine on social and political issues on a daily basis, and they also level criticisms at others. Constructive criticism is healthy for reflection and growth.

The PAJ fell short by delaying its reprimand of Opposition Leader Mark Golding a few weeks ago when at the PNP’s annual conference he described sections of the media — notably the Jamaica Observer and Nationwide News Network — to be JLP-affiliated. It appears as though the PAJ would not have commented on the matter had Warmington not made uncomfortable remarks against journalists and media houses.

Besides, not everyone who criticises the media and civil society groups is blinded by political associations. Many of us draw conclusions after observing various patterns.

A few of the recent editorials and news items coming out of a particular media house seem very targeted at the Government. The headlines and photos used help to convey a particular narrative to the public. In fact, a lot of ‘shade’ is thrown in some of the pieces. Several news items carry half-truths or twisted stories. Some of us who keep abreast of current affairs or have a background in journalism know that there is a gap in how the news is framed or written at times.

The same goes for certain so-called civil society groups and individuals. They are very selective concerning what they comment on and when they do so. When an issue is not in their favour they keep quiet for a few days or weeks until another scandal about someone who they do not support arises.

These are some of the things that enrage us and cause us to lose respect for certain institutions and individuals.

What is now funny in this media debacle is that when Prime Minister Holness spoke about the need to safeguard social media practices in this era of mis- and disinformation, many criticised him for expressing dictatorial tendencies. Some believed he wanted to censor the population. Ironically, the traditional media is now calling on citizens to refrain from spreading false information. But word on the street is that traditional media houses themselves are also sources of false information.

Not only are we losing hope in politicians, we are also losing it in media houses and civil society groups.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com