Journalists in Antigua and Barbuda face ongoing challenges in accessing timely and reliable data on youth crime, a factor that hinders comprehensive reporting on the issue.
This issue is highlighted in the Media Analysis of the Coverage of Youth Involvement in Crime and Violence and Trafficking in Persons (June 2021 to June 2023), which underscores the bureaucratic delays in accessing information despite the existence of Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation in the country.
According to the report, the lack of readily available crime statistics and the reluctance of authorities to release information contribute to gaps in media coverage.
This issue is compounded by the absence of a structured system for media access to public data.
“Journalists often wait months for data, and by the time it’s available, the relevance of the story may have diminished,” said one reporter. “This impacts our ability to provide accurate and timely information to the public.”
The report highlights that improving data accessibility would significantly enhance the quality of reporting on youth crime, enabling journalists to present a clearer picture of the challenges facing young people.
It also recommends that authorities streamline FOI procedures and prioritize the release of data critical to public interest.
Despite these obstacles, journalists in Antigua and Barbuda have expressed a willingness to engage in training and capacity-building initiatives to improve their reporting practices.
Media managers and analysts suggest that addressing these systemic barriers will require a collaborative approach involving government agencies, civil society, and international partners.
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