Dear Editor,
I have been observing the media climate in Antigua & Barbuda for over two decades. It surprises me that to this day the only thing we have to rely on is the bias news reporting from ABS. There is need for an independent media TV News station.
ABS has abused it monopoly with its one-sided news broadcasts. In fact, in the view of ABS everything the minister says is correct and there can be no other correct view. Having a monopoly comes with added responsibility to be fair and balanced.
To make matters worse, ABS relies almost exclusively on taxpayer dollars. One would think with such a monopoly ABS would at least be able to make a profit to pay its staff an run its operations. These are the yardstick we should use to measure ABS’ success and not Facebook likes.
But with management known for throwing temper tantrums, burying staff concerns and now openly attacking other media houses in unprecedented fashion, I am convinced that it is all a facade.
The so-called changes at ABS are purely cosmetic. Other media houses with far less resources are able to be much more productive and I believe a well managed independent TV News broadcast will be well received by the population. Just like how online media like ANR, 268today and Observer evolved to meet the changing needs of the population, there is much room for television to do the same.
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I have been saying the same thing for years!
If I had the money, I would get into the media business.
I see the point you are trying to bring across but I think it’s more than TV. I think Antigua needs better Journalism! Sadly, we have quite a few media outlets but the journalism is poor, far too political and lack dept.
You made a good point that the govt agencies might just report what the minister says with any questions. But then the opposition aligned media will then just try to tear into everything to suit their agenda and not based on any facts or merits.
More independent views are needed especially when it comes to nation building.
I fully agree with you. We need Journalists that don’t have an agenda other than to bring the news to the people. Yes, you may support a particular party, or political candidate, but the journalists, and their editors need to stop the usual bias. It’s been way too long.
For years I’d see journalists ask a political soft questions, or if they ask a tough question, and they get an answer that is not sufficient, there’s no, or very little probing question to really put that person in the hot seat.
ABS has 8 reporters. Two Deputy Directors of News and they can hardly muster 20 minutes of local news daily.
(My second attempt to post to this article and I hope this time it’s released. Seems I should not call Winston Derick name in any derogatory fashion). We have this thing in A&B where we like info which fit our leaning. Its not about whether its factual because its gotten to the point where too many don’t like the truth. Yes all voices should be heard but that does not mean we should ignore the truth simply because we don’t like who it favors. Was reminded tonight that major social media sites now know they have a responsibility to stop the spread of false information. Sadly the message seems slow to get here. Unlike some, I give kudos to ABS for their quality control in terms of factual information. Its actually places like Observer and Crusader I see constantly being sued, either settling or having to shell out some serious moneys. Agree with another poster the focus needs to be on ensuring we have good journalists with integrity. Too many a times I have seen stories which don’t match the facts. Then again, quote a few news organizations have figured their audience do not wish for facts but information to justify their feelings. Anyway, clearly watching US news networks A&B is not alone. Happy we have a public owned media house because without it, information will mostly be proffered for the benefit of the minority.
Okay not a bad view point. Some points I agree with. But do you really expect ABS to be sued when they do PR and no journalism? I mean media outlets that dare to inquire are the ones who are sued. Being sued does not mean you are doing something wrong. It simply means someone wants to shut you up. Finally information isn’t false simply because it doesn’t suit your narrative or that of the government. If anything, the media houses here, especially the online media are too timid.
Its clear you don’t watch ABS TV. I have seen Beuford do investigative journalism. One series that stands out was the one involving the crazy lady who claimed her children were still alive. Shelton Daniel when at ABS did shows which called for investigative reporting. They have persons hosting shows, who are outspoken opposition persons. Not sure why you felt the need to restate something I already said regarding the criteria for something being true. Guy I am an advocate for truth.The fact that someone can be successfully sued more points out they had no factual basis for the statement made. This thing where we decide we can impute improper motive without a factual basis has to stop. Good to see mediums like Facebook and twitter actively involved, since I expect others will have no choice but to follow.
A related point:Let me end by reminding you of a situation in ANU where a journalist” claimed he was shot at while at the cricket stadium. The media house he worked ended up parting company with him. If they had done research before hiring him, they would have learned he actually had a police record and was deported from a nearby island. His next job was working for a media entity owned by the man who was accused of being behind the shooting. For years intl media watch dogs kept citing this false event as evidence of violence against journalist in ANU. We need proper standards for persons who bare the label of journalist.
Like this one since its topical
“The BBC must uphold the highest standards of due impartiality in its news output,” the corporation said in a statement. “We’ve reviewed the entirety of last night’s Newsnight, including the opening section, and while we believe the programme contained fair, reasonable and rigorous journalism, we feel that we should have done more to make clear the introduction was a summary of the questions we would examine, with all the accompanying evidence, in the rest of the programme.
“As it was, we believe the introduction we broadcast did not meet our standards of due impartiality. Our staff have been reminded of the guidelines.”
Keith Brown, SNP deputy leader, said: “This statement is a gutless capitulation by BBC bosses. Newsnight should be commended – not slapped down – for their serious investigative work on Cummings, that’s not something you could say about the BBC News at 10. see “Emily Maitlis replaced for Newsnight episode after Cummings remarks” The Gaurdian, today’s date. Note I agree with BBC, stick to the facts. the SNNP of course will disagree because she did it to their opponent. Anyway see them making your investigative reporting excuse for what most times is opinion not backed by facts
“Be Smart” you obviously haven’t done a basic ethics course on media practices. Being sued many times over isn’t a symbol of bravery. It can be symbol of recklessness. A media organization can defend itself against a suit if they can PROVE their statements are true and many times despite people feeling people, namely politicians are doing the world of corruption, they don’t have a leg to stand on in a court of law which is why organizations like Observer have had to apologize for their missteps. “Inquiring” as you said doesn’t result in a suit and definitely not a successful one. Actually good journalism gives people the chance to RESPOND to accusations. It’s when media practitioners decide to be judge and jury and have people call in and talk as they like that you end up in trouble.
Interesting article; however, in todays Media World sponsorship plays a significant role.
There is CTV, and I am quite sure, that other private media houses, would be more than glad to produce quality programming from not just, a Local(Antigua, Barbuda & REDONDA) perspective, but Regionally as well.
The media plays a vital role, in bring the People of the Region together, just like music and cricket.
Television production is very expensive, therefore, if the local programming is to be changed, enhanced and advanced forwarding into the future, advertising dollars, producers, philanthropists will have to put some serious monies, into the Business.
Good point Ras. I think it can be done.
The Nation still operates, on a CLASSISM system, and certain ideas, only get entertained, once they are produced by certain members, of certain class.
Example, I simply replied, to your comment, with a follow up, stating, that Education through the UWI – Antigua Campus, the Ministry of Education and the establishment of a School Of Journalism, would go a long way, in setting the groundwork, to advance this Industry.
Someone, at ANR – Antigua News Room determined, that I was being too, presumptuous!
It’s A Garrat Thing! Great caption for a piece of Artwork
Yes indeed. Antigua is in dire need of fair minded independent thinkers and even moreso a cadre of professionally trained competent journalists!!!
WHO in ABS management is “throwing temper tantrums”? Who? That sounds childish. Can’t be true.
LOL Take a guess? Who is the most cantankerous person at ABS?
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