LETTER: The Decline of ABS TV/Radio and the Need for Change in Antigua’s Media Industry

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Dear Editor,

I am writing to highlight a growing concern in Antigua and Barbuda: the outdated and declining standards of ABS TV/Radio Antigua, the lack of opportunities for film creatives and filmmakers, and the failure of journalism to remain impartial, especially in political reporting.

ABS, as the national broadcaster, continues to produce subpar content, both in technical quality and substance.

Poor production, outdated programming, and an overall lack of innovation have made it clear that ABS is not keeping pace with modern broadcasting standards.

In an era where digital media is thriving, it is unacceptable for the national station to remain stagnant.

Another major issue is the absence of a thriving film industry. Antigua is filled with young, creative minds who could contribute to filmmaking, storytelling, and media production, yet there are no proper avenues for them to develop their skills or showcase their work.

Film is not just entertainment—it is a cultural and economic driver.

However, without investment and structural support, young Antiguans are left with little choice but to leave or abandon their creative ambitions altogether.

The state of journalism is just as troubling. ABS continues to serve as a mouthpiece for the government instead of delivering fair, unbiased news.

The public deserves investigative, fact-driven journalism, not political favoritism disguised as reporting.

It is embarrassing that in 2024, our national broadcaster cannot be trusted to present the news without political interference.

A significant factor contributing to these problems is the unwillingness of the older generation to make room for young professionals.

Across media, government, and other industries, many older individuals hold onto positions for decades, blocking opportunities for younger, more innovative minds.

Instead of mentoring and uplifting the next generation, they refuse to step aside, preventing real progress. How can the country move forward when fresh ideas and talent are constantly pushed aside?

At what point will young journalists, filmmakers, and media professionals take the initiative to create something better? Antigua needs an independent, modern media platform—one that values quality journalism, creativity, and fair reporting.

The younger generation must push back against stagnation and demand change. If those in power refuse to make space, then it’s time to build something new.

The future of Antigua’s media is in the hands of those bold enough to challenge the status quo. The question is: who will step up?

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8 COMMENTS

  1. Thank you. I was thinking the same thing. ABS needs a younger person to manage the station who will bring new and modern innovations to the table. This old time something mentally can’t work. Thank you writer.

  2. There is no doubt that improvements are needed in content quality, production value, and journalistic integrity. That said, it’s also crucial to recognize the financial and operational challenges faced by traditional media in the digital era and find ways to support them rather than just criticize.

  3. While criticism is necessary, it would also be helpful to propose concrete solutions on how ABS can modernize and adapt to changing media landscapes rather than just highlighting its shortcomings.

  4. Burford’s treatment of a guest in the person of George Wehner should have been enough to get him sent home.
    He was rude, pompous and clearly biased.
    Burford does not have tough questions for the PM who has been in office for 10 years or Joey John whose name is embroiled in serious allegations.
    Yet, he has strength for a person only hoping to make it to the Lower House.
    Make it make sense.

    • oh please! Wenner was AGGRESSIVE, RUDE AND OBNOXIOUS!!!! That interview turned off alot of people from voting for Wenner.

      Not even Man Cow or her Little Black Boy showed up to support him during ballot counting!

  5. https://abstvradio.com/information-minister-announces-restructing-of-national-broadcasting-service/
    First of all when we criticize we first need to understand the issues and have the facts. ABS is the Nations Broadcasting Service. But it is not a BBC model. It is the Government of Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Information. It cannot be seen to be partisan and even more it cannot be seen anti governing party. It is the only media where the government can publish and broadcast its policies. Infact ABS should have had more programs that highlights the working of our government. A program such as Water Works, is highlighting the water issues we have in this country. But we have many more ministries that need to be highlighted in the works they do. How else would people be informed about the works of their government. When I was in Barbados with the investment group I used to work for, the National TV was deployed everywhere that the Prime Minister goes. Which was Owen Arthur. I wish they did the same thing in Antigua. Our Prime Minister is hardly seen on Natrional TV. He would be every Saturday on his own radio station and soon I hope they will get their tv station up and running too.
    What you all want ABS TV Radio to be, is a private media house. We have enough of them and all of them are aligned to one of the two political parties. Therefore none of the reporters working at these stations are independent. We have seen it when Keron Murdoch was fired from Observer when he chose to invite the Prime Minister on his show. And not long thereafter it was Daren Matthew Ward that had the same experience. And the Owner Serpent told them who next want to challence him, the door is there. But that is his right I guess.
    In my opinion ABS since the hiring of Mr. Burford has shown one of the highest standard of journalism we have ever seen in this country. We have seen lots of young people coming to the fore and been given a change show their talents.
    And yes things can always be better. But surely we are moving in the right direction. Yesterday for example I watch House Call. This is such a rich and educational program that you would not see or hear on the private radio stations. I just hope many people are tuning on and watching and learning. And you have the sport programs. What I do not like from ABS TV is the many USA TV series that they broadcast, and the movies. We do not need these on National TV. Therefore we have the private cable tv. This was needed in the early days when people did not have access to Cable TV or even Internet TV. ABS Tv should have more community base programming. And public education of certain national social issues such as littering.
    Once more ABS is an extention of Government it is not a private media house. Therefore it should be showing the government at work. It is our government which we have elected. And if the elected government is ABLP than so be it. If the elected government is UPP, than so be it also.
    And the notion that the opposition can come to ABS TV whenever he or she wants is nonsense. The law is clear, It is only when election is called that both parties will be given equal access. And when national addresses are to be made the Leader of the Party in Parliament has access to ABS to give a national address. Like his New Years address or his Independent speech. But he cannot substitute that to no one else.

  6. where is the letter about Observer suppressing press freedom and its bullying of employees who don’t fit the Miss Knight agenda? Darren Matthew Ward said he tired complain to management about the bullying he endured at NewsCo Observer.

    Kieron Murdoch had to leave because the snake vex that Kieron wanted to interview the PM Gaston Browne

    Observer Radio stopped Max Hurst from his usual Monday slot with DMW.

    Winston Derrick must be kicking, rolling over and grouting out his grave……can’t believe this is what his baby turned into. He went all the way to the Privy Council only to end up back at square one. The very thing he fought against is the very thing Observer is doing – STIFLING PRESS FREEDOM!

  7. I want to sympathize with the writer of this letter but I disagree with the suggestion that older persons are to blame for the state of ABS and that younger people’s innovation will magically transform ABS into the writer’s ideal. Younger persons need to show more respect for those who came before them and stop assuming the older persons to be dumb or incapable or behind the times. Rather it is often the younger persons who lack enough experience and mistakenly believe they are being innovative when they come up with ideas that have already been regurgitated many times in the past and not implemented or sometimes rejected for reasons that are not obvious to those not on the inside. As a now “middle-aged” person, since I was a child people have been saying the same things about ABS. Children have grown up and gone to work there as”young people” and it’s still the same. Why? Clearly the issue is not age-related. I suggest two reasons – 1)There are persons who believe that ABS is actually supposed to be the mouthpiece of the government in power and thus don’t agree there is a need for it to change. 2)There is probably a network of persons working behind the scenes already who are loyal to particular people or ideologies. No matter who joins the staff, young or old, it is not possible to make significant change if you are not part of that network. So, you would either mind your own business, become like them, or try your luck somewhere else.
    So, if you really see the need for better media then be the change you want to see and start your own private enterprise instead of attacking the older generation and trying to fight them for positions that you haven’t earned yet. In ancient times when a region was full, people left and wandered off to conquer or claim new empty territories to establish themselves. There is plenty of undeveloped land in the world. The entire population could fit into Texas they say. So, why don’t young people be courageous and create something new instead of clinging to what other people already have. Enough with the young vs old nonsense. Be truly innovative and create your own.

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