The Press Association of Jamaica, PAJ, is expressing concern over recent allegations which seek to affiliate media houses with the country’s two major political parties.
In a statement on Monday, the PAJ says such allegations could have serious implications for media professionals and the integrity of journalism in Jamaica.
The PAJ’s statement follows the circulation of a video online that accuses the chairman of the RJR/GLEANER Group of influencing editorial policy and links journalists at the Jamaica Gleaner to the People’s National Party, PNP.
The association says it has also taken note of recent insinuations by Jamaica Labour Party, JLP, Member of Parliament Everald Warmington at a political rally.
MP Warmington reportedly said that the media, and the PNP, played a role in undermining former JLP leaders Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding and were now targeting Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
The PAJ also raised concern about comments from PNP President Mark Golding, who at the party’s annual conference in September, criticised sections of the media as being “JLP-aligned.”
In addition, the PAJ says there have been attempts by PNP supporters to falsely link the deputy managing director of the Jamaica Observer to editorial policy decisions.
The association notes that while it supports free speech, it strongly opposes misinformation that threatens the credibility of the media.
The PAJ is calling on the JLP to denounce the viral video and urge its supporters to stop spreading false information. Similarly, it urged the PNP leadership to avoid statements that could be perceived as attacks on press freedom.
The PAJ says it is encouraging both parties to engage in a constructive dialogue about the importance of media independence and fact-based reporting.
In its statement, the PAJ emphasised its solidarity with media professionals and rejected the attempts to politicise journalism or intimidate practitioners.
Credit: Source link