Dr Christopher A Johnson
Caribbean news. If one were to offer a ‘serious’ critique on the inaugural series of JamTV, one would be inclined to suggest that from its current affairs programming and other materials publicised, the new station reflected a rather poor depiction of what the Caribbean is.
Using a conventional ‘island-type’ format to present news, semi-documentaries and cultural snippety, only reinforces insularity that has characterised the region since political adult suffrage.
http://www.jamtelevision.co.uk/
Whilst public broadcasters have a legitimate right to satisfy their ‘paying clientele’ advertisers/sponsors and so forth, they also have a cardinal duty and responsibility to report news and allied current affairs in an unbiased or objective manner. Due regard for sensitivity and sensibility is equally important especially since JamTV is being dubbed ‘as the first authentic Caribbean channel in the UK’. Professionalism must be central to the overall content, presentation and style of broadcast material. The Caribbean region is known for having reputable media houses including distinctive personnel – both in print and electronic media.
In an effort to strategic blunders of previously attempted regional electronic media, management of JamTV (Sky 192) should consider the following:
- Do a daily or weekly round-up of news briefs from all over the Caribbean.
- Magazine programmes on key cultural, social, health, leisure and environmental matters of concern to the entire region.
- Profiles on successful or fledging business people –men, women and young people – who specialise in various industry sectors such as construction, manufacturing, health and social care, food and hospitality, education and training and so forth.
- Interviews with distinguished personages from the Caribbean diaspora including those residing in Britain, Europe and North America.
- Recruit experienced professional writers, presenters, editors, producers and other vital media personnel. Possibly publish a monthly news bulletin to complement the actual electronic version of news and events.
- Consider the feasibility of organising cultural media apprenticeships for 18-25 and 25-30 year olds who are either graduates or are keen to pursue a media career.
One hopes that JamTV can eventuate a ‘golden standard’ in quality news making and presenting, along with overall media representation of the Caribbean Region as a whole. The philosophy of regional patrimony, as espoused by the founding fathers of Caricom, is not an idle prating, but a real manifestation of what can be accomplished in modern times.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Christopher A. Johnson
Author of `British Caribbean Enterprises’.
