Antiguans have a bizarre and unrealistic entitlement to good journalism, as if it were a public service, or as if it were tax funded, or as if they weren’t mostly a bunch of cheapskates who would prefer free news rather than paying a subscription.
This is not to say that it is difficult to understand where the entitlement comes from. The value that good journalism has in a society like ours cannot be exaggerated.
Good journalism can provide an adversarial check to those with power. It can expose wrongdoing, corruption, and unethical behaviour in the public and private sectors. It is a vital component of the everyday diet of information which we use to form our opinions, our biases, and to inform our actions. But the question is, does Antigua and Barbuda really deserve anything better?
This place is graveyard for journalists. There is literally, almost nowhere for them to practice their craft without political directorship or censorship. They are largely paid dirt.
Additionally, while the prospect of shining a light in dark places is a nice cliché for most citizens, journalist actually worry about the victimisation they are likely to suffer if they genuinely go hard on the stories that we all know need to be pursued.
The public will surely say, “We need fearless journalists”. What I would say is, journalists need subscribers and advertisers. Good journalism is not cheap and it sure as f*ck isn’t free. When you pay dirt, you get crappy reporters who are unskilled and poorly trained. And most media outlets pay dirt.
What’s worse, is that with government and politician owned media outlets sucking up market share in terms of advertising, there is less left for those who actually want to practice independent journalism.
Most of the iconic names we know in journalism in Antigua and Barbuda have moved on to greener pastures or have totally changed careers, giving up on something they likely loved, but which could not buy a house, fill a retirement fund, or put children through university.
So, what does Antigua and Barbuda really expect? Journalists here get sh*t pay, work in minimally staffed newsrooms; are assigned to cover everything under the sun as opposed to being given a specific, longterm focus; endure political overlordship, contend with editorial censorship, are poorly trained, are ill-equipped, and are likely highly unmotivated, in an economy where politicians and the state gobble up advertisers’ spend, and most citizens are likely to be too cheap or to broke to subscribe to news content if they meet a pay wall on Observer, or ANR or any of the sites they go to for their FREE news content.
I remember that people here were so cheap, that they would rather wait for one newspaper to be passed around a whole office and all its staff, than to pay a few dollars to get their own. This was when we had physical papers.
So, when people ask, “Where are the journalists? Why aren’t the journalists looking into this?” or say, “Journalism is dead in this country,” it betrays a sort of entitlement. Why are you entitled to the work of journalists to help keep your society transparent and your elites accountable? Do you pay journalists? Do you advertise with independent media houses?
Have you ever stopped to think about the politicians you are electing and whether they have helped to strange journalism in Antigua and Barbuda through censorship and political control?
So, what makes you entitled to the tedious, day-to-day sacrifice of some lowly paid, overworked, disillusioned journalist in a newsroom somewhere? Why should they go and challenge the politicians, officials and corrupt oligarchs, whom you dare not raise your own voice against? You reap what you sow, remember?
Antiguans and Barbudans on a whole are a civically disengaged people. Many of you do not vote. Many of you would not support any form of advocacy or activism. Many of you would not even want to be interviewed by the same journalists you hope will keep your leaders accountable.
If you were an expert on a certain topic, or had knowledge of this or that, you would say, “keep my name out of it, I can’t go on record, I don’t want to be vicitmized.” But you expect to have a robust cadre of highly qualified, dedicated professionals working as journalists to whip your society into shape? Makes no sense. You get what you paid for. And you don’t pay a cent.
And yes, I think we can all acknowledge that journalism in Antigua and Barbuda is truly tragic at this point.
The quality of stories and range of coverage coming out of Observer’s newsroom has descended dramatically over the decade. Front page stories are often complete random irrelevance, fillers, and nothing articles.
Press releases become whole stories. Headlines report on the fact that a routine event happened as opposed to reporting on any key outcome of the event, or a critical stance taken by any attendees.
For example, a headline that reads “Ministry hosts workshop” is a complete waste of time. Who cares if a workshop was held, or a forum happened? Tell us what came out of it.
The paper clearly has a UPP slant and the organisation itself c peas has a strong alliance with the UPP, with one of its leaders Watts, himself being a UPP MP.
ABS practices censorship of anything that paints the government in a bad light, and in so doing, supports the governing ABLP. This really is a total disgrace, because it means that we as citizens, are literally paying to be mislead by biased reporting from so-called journalists who are essentially civil servants, since they work for a government department.
Pointe FM is obviously Gaston’s baby. It too, censors its reporting heavily. Its paper and radio news are truly dogsh*t . Reading the Pointe Xpress daily feels like you’re being lectured by Max Hurst on the virtues of the Labour Party.
I haven’t listened to ZDK’s news in many years but that’s because it was never any good, and I don’t imagine that it is any better today. Twin Island Media doesn’t appear to have much of a newsroom. They generally give a synopsis of reports from other outlets in the mornings when I’ve listened.
I’m not sure if WTP, owned by the Agriculture Minister, actually has a news arm, but if so, its presence is not felt.
Then there’s the purely online operations. Antigua News Room post alot, but more depth is required, likely due to the fact that neither organisation, I would assume, has a large, active, and dedicated news staff.
Antigua.news and islandpressbox.com have added their names to the list of news outlets. Press Box tends to put more effort into the content, but there is not much of it, and Antigua.news is not really distinguishing itself from ANR in any particular way.
Real News is a UPP outlet, but it’s rabid. It’s worse than Pointe FM and ABS in many ways. At Point and at ABS, they censor the news and exaggerate the reports that paint the government in a good light. But Real News reports serious claims and allegations casually, without any supporting evidence, or on record corroboration, or even balancing the report with a response from the person supposedly implicated. I am extremely wary of anything coming out of that outlet. Back in the day, the UPP used to have Monte Friesner on its station as some sort of guru of truth. What a time.
So, all in all, news and journalism in Antigua and Barbuda are trash. It’s mostly shallow trash that scratches the surface of real issues but does not expend the effort to do serious reporting, talk to multiple people, get records in support of a story, take pictures, record interviews, challenge those implicated, seek expert analysis, etc.
In its place, we have a lot of fluff, press releases, censored news, PR pieces to make the government look good, and endless reports from government spokesmen and ministers, as if what they say is the Gospel.
But what do you really want? Are you ready to pay a subscription every month? Or will you try to get the news for free through some hack? Does your business advertise with a local nonpartisan media outlet, or are you propping up politicians’ media houses with thousands of dollars of your advertising spend?
Do you want to apply for a job as a journalist? Or do you want to actually live well and make a proper salary was mek ya can nyam salmon at least once a month, and buy charmim ultra soft once a year?
Are you willing to go on record when the journalists call? Or do you expect to put them out in front, while you remain an anonymous source in the background, taking credibility away from their reporting.
What do you really want?
Sincerely,
Samantha K. Rodrigues
(Was a journalist, moved on since Covid)
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I read most of this and I must agree with what I have read. Because the island is very small and there are not many ways to get money, it can be impractical for journalists to do what they truly want to do and that is to expose the dirt without unfair and unconstitutional consequences to them.
When you begin talking about matters that is news worthy against the government they have their idiot beggars attempting to bully you, threatening you, delay your applications, even lying on platforms about denials that has not occurred because the board says they have not made any decisions and set the application aside but these political begging dogs will be there to attempt to terrorize those who they think they can terrorize like those people in journalism who speaks what the evidence shows.
I do think journalist and their business should try to find creative ways to make money doing their work so that they are not so impacted on the revenge that the government and other conspirators will have on them when they do their jobs.
At this time, my punishment for speaking up is delay of an application and liars coming here saying application denied when out of the board member’s mouth, they set aside my application for a later date, for enquire, no decisions made yet. But we all know the revenge is happening now.
It feels wrong that folks who are under trained in your area that you are over trained with exceptional ability and advance degree dictates if you qualify for something you are more qualified for that them. This is not arrogance, it is just not logical, it shows merit is not being used in the country because then my application would be decided by equally as competent or more competent people, not lesser.
Anyway, I do understand the plight of journalist is Antigua and Barbuda and I can say you guys are doomed until you get fairer governments and your journalist becomes more creative in making money morally and legally to protect yourself from those government bullies.
I have requested for this news agency to contact me about investment and no one has. I am truly interested in investing in such endeavor. You have my email.
I also ask you guys to request investment directly from the people, and also, please have a method that we can make payments via credit and or debit cards. You want to guy but the hassle to do so is too much.
Do not be afraid of the bullies, some of them only bullies to secure their job, they could not make it in life without their political connection and those political connection only made money while in government office. That shoes their incompetence. But Antiguans, not Barbudans, are too dumb to see this.
I have been waiting for someone to highlight the poor news and journalism in this country. Long overdue.
One of the reasons I got involved in commenting here, was because whether you listened to the radio, watched the television or read the newspapers (when they were available), the political slant was always leaning in favour of the ABLP.
Personally, I wanted to redress this imbalance.
Antigua & Barbuda is in danger of becoming like the UK, regarding their political media coverage with its out and out favouritism towards right-wing Conservatism.
Just look at one overseas example:
The Australian billionaire media mogul – and political pay master – Rupert Murdoch targeted the UK press, radio and television decades ago, so that his political views would be adhered to.
It has proved very fruitful to date.
Furthermore, the UK now has a right-wing leaning news station called GB News, that makes Fox News look like a kindergarten party.
Antigua’s media outlook is bleak at present, and if what you are saying is true then it explains why investigative journalism has declined to an all time low here.
The current media are doing the citizens of Antigua & Barbuda a great disservice, and are keeping the current incumbents in power.
I for one, do not want this country taking the same destructive media route as the UK. Tarl!
A great opinion piece … thank you!
What has become, of A. Kentish and her #Media_Congress?!
Less you, or anyone forgets, let’s remember that…
…#MEDIA, is plural of MEDIUM!
…or, is it MEDIUM to MEDIUMS?
…slanted, to fit the #Spirit of a particular medium!
…journalism and media are two different things.
…bad journalism, as it’s referred to sells more in the MEDIA BUSINESS, than good journalism! Commercials and other forms, of advertising which is the backbone, #cash_cow, #cash_app of any MEDIA HOUSE is the poorest form, of journalism, hence “bad journalism.”
Be reminded, that most ADS, COMMERCIALS are well embellished, plagiarised!
Plagiarising…
Media, Medium and Mediums: How to Choose the Right Word, and #WHO’RE the one’s picking up the tab💰💸💶🤑🤑🧧💳💲🪙💴!
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
…
…
I have longed called Antigua ” a fringe society and economy”
Meaning, the riches and glory of the country and fully displayed and established on the fringes, while the center implodes.
It is the same way the so-called journalist here reports it new.
Report just the surface stuff, instead of getting to the meat of the matter,in the middle where its imploding.
That’s why we must exile this current administration and usher in a new breed of bold standup politicians.
I like Shuggy, because he’s bold and fearless, and I think he I one of the leaders that will be open to fare and open dialogue in this Country.
Nothing was given to this man, and say what you want of him, but one thing you would not say,vis that he’s a coward.
Well written article anyway.
Shuggy is a coward and a gyal clown.. there
*fair*
This Opinion article is telling. A populus which is shallow with little substanc. Its speaks to a future with very little hope of improvement or advancement for the younger generations..
Interestingly, earlier I had hurriedly touched on the subject of a lack of indepth media reporting in an earlier comment on “Barbuda Land Sales”
This article lays out the undelying factors, that the public does not wish to pay for news of substance.
I always wonder why are so many “Condolences” in the comment section of ANR written to unknown individuals who has no connection to or do not know the deceased; but little or no comment when theie is a news item concerning policies which affects their lives.
Clearly the old adage “You get what you pay for”. In this case “we do not get what we are not willing to pay for”: INDEPTH ANALYTICAL INDEPENDANT NEWS
This opinion article explains why the “Nine Day News Cycle” is common across the Caribbean.
As with almost any issue, especially business issues, that arises, people have a tendency to suggest addressing everything but the core underlying problem.
In this instance, as I’m sure other commenters have noted or will do so, that problem is: the credulous, blindered consumer.
@My way of helping,
Here is your oppurtunity to give back to Antigua and Barbuda as you have always stated you are ready to do. Start an online news that delves into the issue.
Take a page from ANR who never list a jounalist or editor and gets more trafFic than any other online portal in Antigua and Barbuda.
Develop souces on the ground gor inside news ; and sales teams to bring in ads.
Stop complaining about being mistrated and put your money that yo clain you are ready to put to use in Antigua into changing the system described in this artcle.
@Casual observer, I would prefer to invest in this case in something that already exist. As I would not have the time and passion in this area. But I do find it to be a lucrative area to invest in and a vitally important part of democracy and safety.
I would love to speak to the helm of Antigua News Room. If they are interested.
Also, my claim of wanting to help the country is evident from my donations to that country in which I paid over $10,000 in taxes and transportation for items being donated by me ro the government.
I did not get any duty free or discounts for shipping items being given by me to the government. The government did not even offered me. But I still paid that over $10,000 in taxes and transportation to the government for items I am donating to the government.
I think my love for the people have been proven with that act. They gave me a list with additional things the force needs, I have purchased them and have them in storage in Antigua (some) and others here with me.
Even a brand new vehicle is sitting there I decided I want to donate to the force in Antigua and Barbuda, brand new, already in Antigua.
So, my credibility on intending to contribute is evident. I also broadcast my good faith hope to donate about $100,000 to the village of Bolans because my heart is convinced I should be the first to do this and motivate others to do the same. However, this feeling is changing daily because of the unreasonable delay I am facing in getting my tools required to start my physical operation in Antigua so I can provide 5-50 locals with a decent paying job. The current government has refused and failed to assist me in this endeavor of national importance and substantial benefit.
Why you donate to the government itself so much people in antigua would love to get help some of whom are depress trying to commit suicide why not even get a farm land giving people work and also show them how to develop there own business…every one can see government just enrich themselves and don’t really care ….some of us need help doing something to help society but so many obstacles
Email me bro.
I agree. I recently had this conversation with a former colleague. The news articles lack depth or analysis. At ABS, it’s always, “The Prime Minister says,” but does anyone say anything else to counter that? A take from an expert? Society? The impact of decisions/ events is also seldom explored. Journalism is truly dead.
@former journalist, it is really bad in Antigua and Barbuda and it is for this reason it would not be prudent to have any final courts of appeal near the tyranny and in a place that always lacking resources that is vital in the interest of justice.
We do not have good governments but it is worse when there are no vicious journalist.
JOURNALISM IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A NATION
Reads like something the Executive Protection Specialist, one Mr. Devon K. Baltimore Sr, would say.
This was a very passionate piece. I can tell that Ms. Rodrigues cares about journalism and journalists really doing the work with integrity. This is so rare for the times that we live in and it is widespread I must say, Samantha. This is more glaring in a small island state as Antigua and Barbuda. However, I must agree with many of your comments. This shows that we do want to know and be informed as the media is or should be the gatekeepers of the events both good or bad in our country and communities at large. It is understandable that some media outlets will have political leanings like what ZDK was or is and what Observer is but even then, a reporter should still be skilled enough to write a piece with a measure of accountability directed to one’s aligned to whatever media outlet they are associated with, doing so such without “fear or favour”. Especially the ones that don’t have a political party as their support.
ABS being government owned did the same this when the opposition was in power, so that will continue to be so regardless it seems.
I believe that you would get back in the game even after almost 5 years hiatus, but “we the people” should be willing to pay for quality over quantity which you described as “trash”. This article should be met with concern from the public of their responsibility and lack of accountability, instead, we have become a society of ‘if it doesn’t directly affect me, who cares.’ So, as a society that consumes more video content than reading, that’s a challenge that requires creativity.
I also believe that new or revised legislation needs to be draft and vetted by those who are journalists with the support of our legal professionals working alongside the legislative branch to implement a fair and balanced system for journalists to operate. Not constantly hearing a Prime Minister or some elected official battling lawsuits or more or less egos.
Ms. Rodrigues, I hope this piece is not taken out of context or worse, ignored especially by the people, the citizens of this country. I even hope that it will not fall on deaf ears by the politicians, government and opposition alike. And if they don’t see this article, then the constituents will do their part and forward it to them.
Much respect to you for not staying in the shadows but putting your name out front. You have integrity!💯
@ My way of helping,
You frequently write with passion and at length in your comments on ANR about contributing to your Country Antigua and Barbuda.
Quite often you have thrown out big figures which you are prepared to contibute as well as invest.
There is an industry called “Journalism Grant Making” Your past commments would make you a just the individual.
Countless people of means have invested into news start ups owing to the lost of corperate news in their commmunity. Some weathy individuals invest in order to raise their public benifit profile such Jeff Bezos ownership of the Washington Post.
He is only one of many lesser weathy individuals who has invested in public interest journalism news.
Lack of time should not be a problem; you have been among the most frequent commentators., with no return on investment for your time The time spent on ANR can be spent managing your media empire.
Rather than donating to a currupt Government; put you money into something that can be transformative.
With the right level of resources behind her; eventhough I do not know her beyond her opinion article, Samantha K. Rodrigues may want to put her toe back into journalism.
Here is your oppurtunity to help. Make it your way of helping by starting an independant news portal with indepth journalism and bring an end to the 7 days news cycle.
Another thing reading many of the comments, some people are speaking solely against the government whereas, this piece did not do that. Ms. Rodrigues called out all the media platforms by name and gave an assessment based on her point of view and her experiences. So, she was acting in a balanced way, the very thing we the responders are looking to achieve from the media and or journalists.
If the solution is to get the government out of power and expose them only, then what makes you think the other side is different. I’ve seen UPP acted similarly when in power when it comes to the media. The job of the journalist is not to remove or put a government in power. Her message as I understand it was really the quality of news we are digesting and how “we the people” can help to change that with something as simple as purchasing a subscription (similarly to Netflix) and gradually the journalistic content will improve and I believe that it could lead to better decisions by “the people”, and if that means removing the government, then it’s a win-win for the masses.
Someone told me that Jackie Quinn had a different view of how the opposition handles the situation with ‘sitting out the last parliament session”. She is a former member of parliament and a journalist and was met with fierce opposition by a media talking head on Observer. Which of the two is more qualified to state an opinion on that? And most agreed with the talking head. We are also a nation of emotionally charged people who does not listen to logic or in this case, EXPERIENCE.
In the USA, many hated what Trump was saying and tune him out and encouraged the black community to vote against him. Trump on the other hand called out all media. First calling them “fake news”. He said it often enough that people started listening. Even though Fox was supporting him because of the party he was on, he did not hesitate to call them out too. Now he is public enemy number one. The point is, no one is going to be right all the time, so the opposite is true too, but what happens to taking a snapshot of a situation them examining it before giving a reply.
What Trump did was genius marketing but apart from that, many are now seeing what he said is also true. He actually created more jobs and other financial opportunities to blacks than Biden or Obama’s administration and that’s a fact. So, don’t be quick to condemn an opinion because you disagree, and don’t think a solution to the problem starts with the government, they cannot put themselves there even if some are of the opinion that they are acting as such.
Samantha was clear from the outset that we receive “trash” because it’s “free”. Drop your Netflix subscription or cable for a year and pay for “quality and valuable content”.
The writer of this article is aspirational. It is thought-provoking but will not be fully read by many. It is long, as are many of the comments. It will not be speed read. That art is no longer taught.
Journalism as it was known is dead. Journalists, whether in Antigua or the US or UK, are not allowed to practice their craft the way they were taught. And they have modern technology, social media, etc, to thank for that. The hand held device brings many opinions on any one subject and usually it is the most sensational one that is propagated.
Call in shows take much of the responsibility for the death of journalism. When you can lie in your bed with the radio at hand and your phone beside you, and call in an opinion on a topic of which you have no knowledge. When you can get your 10 minutes of fame by staying on line and talking smhit with a host who would like to hang up on you but doesn’t dare because you are a potential voter, then……you get the picture.
The journalists have been replaced by these geniuses who cannot tell the last time they read a paper. The good writers are not the favorites. Just like good music and singing have been replaced by noise and posturing, so is the good story. The band is noisy but it has flashy instruments and attractive members. The singer is lousy but is beautifully coiffed and dressed in a sexy outfit. What’s not to like?
The local news portals are vying with each other. They all try to scoop each other, all in the name of sensationalism. Just like sex, that is what sells.
I do say that I disagree with the writer about the Observer in one aspect. I do not think it is more slanted to the UPP than the ALP. Take a good look and see which stories are covered more in depth. Which stories fill the paper with pictures. Are they paid for? Maybe not. It could be the ALP writers are more aggressive. The major flaw in the Observer newsroom is that too often stories are carried verbatim from the horse’s mouth. So received, so dispersed. Like the writer says, you get what you pay for. Many of our graduates cannot spell and have poor grammar. Google cannot fix that. No employer is going to give you one hour to find the meaning of a word you should know. So their pay reflects their abilities.
So stop whimpering for an era that is gone. The good journalists have transitioned like the hand-held paper.
I vehemently concur with the veracity of this writer slant, as per the substandard output in the quality, and depth of the journalistic pieces offered for general consumption in the Antigua 🇦🇬 Barbuda’s space of reference. While quality journalism is the an
of expounding on the happenings within the local communities and, the impact that is channel to the society at large. The price for quality journalism, and content, is subjective: in that, the compensation to be derived. from the noble pursuit of the.
journalists must be deemed worthy of their imputation to turn a tapestry of words in to a visual painting of comprehensive transparency, that reaches the consciousness of all who lend themselves to the need to know of concerning unvarnished facts. Thus, the expectation to be compensated is within reasonable assumption, and acceptance that journalism’s is the prism form which the beacon of light must shine on the good and bad of society, and it’s governance. Except, here in Antigua 🇦🇬 Barbuda; where partisan political persuasion takes sway and manifest itself to effect the mantra of tribal cultism given to appeasement and denial along the political divide of one’s allegiance or persuasion; which allows for the denial of objectivity and overt presentation to be subtly passive and, with pablum offering. Journalists cannot be made to become timid, intimidated or underpaid. It is their duty to chide and cajole to governance in the nature of what the sentiment of the masses pulse is, when most in contemptuous mode of such happenings; and to give the guidance of the governed for transparency and accountability in a democratic governance without fear of retribution, victimization and upward mobility. Thus, in my craving for universal information: I look forward to journalists to fill me in of local, regional and international news content unfettered and unvarnished. And for that. I would gladly pay; as the hardest thing in life is, the lack of not to know.
I commend the author of this article. I commend this news outlet for keeping this story and subsequent comments alive. I often see stories and comments critical of the PM removed too quickly. I believe someone in the current administration is trying to control the media. For instance, I read on January 4, 2024, at the Dominica News Online that Daryl Titre from Dominica has been hired to a senior position at the ABS Broadcasting Station. I find it interesting that Daryl Titre was educated in Beijing, China at the University of Technology. Do you really want a person who is educated by and knowledgeable of Communist propaganda to control your media?
This government administration is damaging Antigua and Barbuda at an exponential rate.
@Micheal Scott, at el.
The central theme of the writter is that that Antigua and Barbuda public do not want to pay for news, and as result whats offered up as news is crap.
That is an indictment of the who we are as a people. Interesting few appreciates what is the central issue of which she is offering up.
The arrival of religious groups at the turn of the 20th century (Methodists, Weslian, Seven Day Adventist and Catholics) offered reading classes as a way to build a following.
There is no easy solution to this deleama. Where 60 percent of Antigua and Barbuda males leave school semi illiterate. It is creating a growing underclass, who sensabilities goes back to colonial times before the religious groups got here.
There is no media to cover that facts, conditions and implications of while Gaston Browne floats the idea of selling land on Barbuda, there is NO ENGLISH TEACHER ON BARBUDA and BARBUDA HAD NO PASSES IN THE RECENTPRIMARY SCHOOL EXAMS.
It is true that th public do not want to pay for good journalism. But it also begs the question: is this a public who wants good journalism?
Given the comments here.. I would guess not given most of the commentators seems to miss the central theme of the the Opinion piece; and the voices here are no different than the general public.
@ The Passing of an Era.
Please pass fast as you can. Yor statement ” Journalism as it was known is dead. Journalists, whether in Antigua or the US or UK, are not allowed to practice their craft the way they were taught”. Its either you just don’t know or you will like to sound relavent when you are writting nonsence.
The award winning journalist from the US: NYT, LAT, Wash Post, Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald and the New Oleans Picayune to the UK: Guardian, Times of London, The Economist to the EU: DW and in Asia: The Times of India
When you add: ” The hand held device brings many opinions on any one subject and usually it is the most sensational one that is propagated. Its obvious you get you news from Tick Tock
For many of the reasons illuciated by Ms. Samantha K. Rodrigues and others in the commentary; we are in a bad state when it comes to well sourced and deeply sourced news.
Sometimes its better some people stay quiet.
I think sometimes in Antigua people need to team up or discuss with different people or do focus groups with members of the general public to figure out ways to make their endeavors work. The writer makes many good points. However, some of those issues can be solved if Journalists, Business persons, Tech Savvy persons and ordinary Consumers came together to figure it out. E.g. If an independent news site offers a ton of information on everything local, regional, and international including e.g. community events, obituaries, classifieds then their site would be popular and advertisers would come. No need to be political just present both sides in a calm and balanced way to avoid spooking the ad companies. There are also other ways to make money e.g. having people pay to post obituaries, community notices, and classifieds. Yes, there are classifieds on Facebook etc. But, the news company can post on its site as well as its own Facebook page and all of its other social media. For subscriptions, the best way would be via Google apps. The company could develop apps for news, event notices, classifieds etc. The apps should work well and not be laggy. Persons can easily subscribe and unsubscribe as their budget allows without hassle via the trusted Google system. I wouldn’t want to put my card info on a random news website, and not everyone can easily navigate PayPal, but setting up Google subscriptions is easy for most people. Make it easy and good and people will come.
If a few media persons across the island, sub-region or Caribbean came together to create a proper Caribbean media app they would make money. The only apps out there are about Carnival as if that is all Caribbean culture is about. As a resident, I would love to watch shows for the whole family about Caribbean food, Cooking, Travel, History, Plants, Animals, Events, InterSchool Sports, Current Events, Discussion panels with original ideas about non-political issues such as what to do about youth crime, Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses, Careers, Fashion, Health, Human interest stories and the list goes on and on. I would absolutely pay a subscription for media that covers everything regional.
@ Better Media Now,
I agree with you; and I’m with you until you wrote non-political issues. The coverage items you listed are fantastic and what we need. But there is no devorcing of politics.
The Sub-region is fragmented not only by water, but it is politically fragmented and the powers that be wants it that way.
There was a Regional Conference last year in Trinidad: not at UWI but at the Seven dat Adventist University; to discuss issues of youth violence and regional security.
PM Mosley and Gonsales pointed out that the judicary should take some of he blame for the way in which it handles youth violence sentencing. The result was a scating attached on these two Caribbean leaders by the Caribbean Bar Association.
Even The Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association who a mum on every other subject; its president appeared from the rock under which they hide, to pile on the two PMs. And that was the end of that discussion.
CARICOM has its 50th annerversary. I thought it was going to be a moment when i can read about the history and plans for Caricom. What came out of that regional confernce. Photo op. Antigua and Barbuda PM sitting at a table with Chris Dodds former US Senator from Conn. followed by the US intention of having an Embassy in the Leeward Islands and Antigua is the best place for such an facility.
We here in Antigua and Barbuda mirrors Haiti in many ways. The radio stations are owned by religious entities and politicians; while public media is an extension of the State.
Politics stinks; but it is engrained in all aspects of our lives. When Oldman Bird went to Lancaster House, he had a list of “Must Haves” that he needed to get in the constitution. Among them; is a libel law simular to the UK. Here is where our history becomes our politics and our culture.
The UK does not have a Constitution but it gave one to all its Colonies when it set them loose. Among the things in our constitution is a set of Libel Laws simular to the UK.
In the US the burden of proof rests with the person who claims to have been libeled. They need to prove that what is the libeller said about them was false.
It is so easy to prove defamation in the Antigua as in the UK for the burden of proof is on the defendant(s). Politicians and deep pocketed individuals uses the Libel laws as a weapon.
Even American and Frenchmen in exile bring libel cases in the UK.
It sees to me that our strong libel laws can be advertised to the wealthy, when they feel agrieved; as a new tourism or Cirizen Investment Program (CIP) incentive.
Youtube and tick tok has become our source of news and entertainment, and the powers that be like it that way.
Very informative reply, thank you. Maybe without the panel discussions then lol. It is unfortunate that everything has to become political, and I know journalists like to make a difference and cover important hard hitting news, but all of this other information would be helpful to persons trying to live in this region.
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