Dear Editor,

It would not be a typical silly season without accusations of media bias from both sides of the political divide.

When journalists criticise one party or consistently favour a particular narrative they are often labelled as “PNP-affiliated” or “JLP-leaning”. Unlike others, I do not think claims of media bias should be disregarded as mere political tomfoolery. I am proffering my view that media bias is an issue to be discussed and not dismissed.

I believe that journalism as an important pillar of democracy is not above scrutiny and criticism. In fact, the media should be held to the same high standards of probity and accountability as the three arms of government in protecting the public interest.

Accusations of media bias or biased journalists have reached fever pitch in this election season amidst widespread objections from the two major political parties regarding questioners in the national debates being organised by the Jamaica Debates Commission.

Media bias, in its simplest form, is the favouring of one side over another, often through selective coverage. Such slanted reporting creates a skewed perception and undermines the democratic process. While journalists are humans and cannot be perfectly objective, they can strive for fairness, balance, and transparency. Journalistic codes of ethics at home and abroad rightly emphasise impartiality, independence, and neutrality, which are vital for public trust.

Most traditional media houses in Jamaica maintain editorial policies that discourage public political expressions by journalists, especially those in reporting roles, and ensure balanced coverage of the political parties. This is seen as a safeguard against perceptions of bias and a way to preserve the newsroom’s credibility. Nonetheless, journalists in opinion-based roles such as columnists or talk show hosts, operate under different expectations. For them, expressing political views is often part of the job. Their transparency about their political alignment could even enhance credibility.

Here is where it gets tricky. Some journalists and media personalities may share their views on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, which can reinforce public perceptions of bias. This can blur the line between personal opinion and professional responsibility.

Some critics argue that media houses should be transparent about which party they support, similar to what obtains in the United States. Some have also suggested that journalists covering politics should declare which party they support or whom they voted for to provide context for their reporting. Declaring political leanings, they suggest, can help audiences better understand potential biases and engage with the news more critically.

However, others caution that such disclosures could undermine a journalist’s credibility and blur the lines between objective reporting and personal opinion. In Jamaica, where political allegiance often carries deep social and historical weight, even a hint of bias can affect how a journalist’s work is received.

Additionally, like all citizens, journalists have the right to privacy. Asking them to reveal how they vote may set a precedent that compromises their independence and personal safety, especially in a politically charged and violence-prone Jamaica.

Meanwhile, politicians may choose to respond to media bias by shunning “unfriendly” media houses. In doing so, they risk appearing evasive and anti-democratic. A healthy democracy requires political leaders to engage with diverse voices, including those critical of them. Accountability and political maturity are best demonstrated by answering tough questions, not avoiding them. At the same time, politicians should reasonably expect professional and respectful treatment from journalists, regardless of ideological difference.

Whether real or perceived, bias can erode public trust and confidence in media institutions. Newsrooms should make their editorial policies on preventing bias clearly visible on their websites. Dismissing media bias as merely a figment of the imagination of politicians, operatives, or party supporters will only fuel further scepticism. Media bias is a serious issue that must be addressed thoughtfully, protecting press freedom and upholding journalistic ethics. While complete objectivity may be unattainable, fairness, transparency, and ethical responsibility must remain guiding principles. We should encourage open, public dialogue about media bias in ways that strengthen both press freedom and credibility.

Shannick Dawkins

Communications specialist

Shannick.Dawkins@gmail.com