The importance of information

After celebrating two decades in this industry, from journalist to News Editor, it is clear that the media remains an industry which is in constant flux. It is an area which is always prone to criticism from those on the outside looking in. Some contend that the media does not go far enough and that the media should focus on the ‘real’ issues. Some believe that the media should target those whom they have issues with and others believe that the focus should be on both the government and opposition.

You have to take it in stride. The handling of information remains one of the most important tasks that an Editor has to perform. That involves informing the public about critical issues and doing so responsibly, being cognizant that all information should not be revealed for various reasons, including threats to national security. It is part of the revered fourth estate. The ability to see the forest between the trees, and finding out information behind the press release or public posturing, requires dedicated personnel in a thankless profession.   

Pressures are on from all sides. Some photographs cannot be used, or some information cannot be published, yet the media must push on with a view to keeping the public informed. Yet the media is a business, with bills and staff to pay. The balance between corporate goals, a desire to support a strong social dynamic and keep political figures under the microscope is complicated. That often leads to clashes with outside forces. Sometimes you get calls from irate people who insist on telling media how they should do their jobs. Comments and questions range from “wunna should write about this” or “wunna frighten for dis PM?” “Why wunna so easy on PM Mottley and made PM Stuart’s life so miserable?” That is part of the media’s challenge.

Then some are downright rude. One caller into the office, decided to be flippant with the receptionist, who tried to tell him that I was on another call. Seeing her unease, I put that call on hold to answer this gentleman. I was blunt asking him what was so important that he could not convey the message to the receptionist.I was stunned to hear him say, “oh I just wanted to speak to the Editor in person, to find out if a release I sent was received.”

I thought I was on candid camera, because I wanted to laugh that this notion of speaking to the Editor only got my mind racing. I am a human being with a lot of responsibility, but still someone who respects anyone and everyone. I try to give everyone a hearing and ask people to be honest with me and to speak their minds, but sometimes you deal with those who think they know how this job is to be done. That taught me patience, letting them talk and at least listening to their views. But as mentioned earlier, the production of news content continues to change. The ways in which people with information seek to convey it to the public has changed. Some use various social media platforms to present that information and the media must be willing to move in that direction and to meet people where they are.  

Websites, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are all platforms which have gained more prominence over the years and even during the most recent General Elections where traditional media was pushed to the side. WhatsApp groups and personal pages of candidates took the place of advertising. Live streaming of political events eliminated the need to wait on the published stories. It is part of the challenge which media has to face going forward.Then you add the COVID-19 pandemic. It has required news gathering to modify its methods in ways to protect staff from infection and urgingjournalists to work from home to avoid interactions which could be dangerous.   

The Delta variant of the disease and its easier transmission rates, means that now more than ever, protocols must be followed to protect media workers, even as they practice social distancing, masking up and washing their hands. 

Now this country is on another effective pause, which has been blamed on the intrusion of the COVID-19 virus throughout the population. 40 cases one day, meant that action was taken. In the case of public health, we need to be made aware of why this change to protocols announced by the Minister of Health and Wellness did not make it into the Parliament for debate. These pronouncements have a familiar theme – blame locals. 

The virus had to be brought here. By air or by sea and the spread has coincided with the return of tourists in larger numbers to this island. We have to get serious and look at the ease of transmission of the disease, especially the Gamma and Delta variants. The manifestations were seen in the church and the business, but where did the virus originate? Some contact would have to have been made between carriers of the new variants and the infected and of course the spread took place.

What is being done to address the latter? We only hear about the end of the chain of contact, but what about the origin of the chain?

The media takes safety seriously. Using selfie sticks to attach recording devices or microphones all help but the primary concern of Editors, would be to keep workers safe. Making the most of limited time within controlled office spaces, had to be used to fashion protection from this disease.

Using networking sites like Microsoft Teams, or Zoom for interviews, cell phones, home phones, emails, text messages had to become front and centre to keep the information flow going. As things improve, information flows, still need to be cognizant of the disease still being here.   

I noted a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding a discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping. I noted the reference to a potential loan related to the South Coast Sewage Plant. I have asked for months for information related to this project and have been met with silence for the most part.  

How is it that this country’s citizens have paid a tax on water bills monthly for three years and part of the monies collected were forthe South Coast and Bridgetown projects, yet precious little has been communicated on it? Why if Government is seeking a loan, is a tax still being collected monthly? What is the costing for this project since any loan request must have parameters, specs and timelines? We need information!

The fight continues for information.