Gov't condemns attacks on journalists, recommits to press freedom

By Nakinskie Robinson   

 

The government has responded to a widely circulated AI narrated video alleging that some journalists are aligned to the parliamentary opposition.

 

The video began circulating on social media last week.

 

Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris-Dixon says the government views press freedom as not a privilege but a key pillar of democracy.

 

Dr. Morris Dixon, who was taken to task about the government's apparent silence on the video, said she had not addressed it because she was not asked.

 

She said previous actions by Prime Minister Andrew Holness indicate the government's support for the fourth estate. "Even just our commitment to even these Wednesday morning meetings is very much indicative of that," said the minister, who added that attacks on the media are "never, ever acceptable at all". 

 

"In terms of what we see on social media, that's an issue. And our Prime Minister has been on the record saying that we have to look at social media and look at what is said and what is posted. And we've seen it exacerbated with AI. And I think that conversation that our Prime Minister tried to start about the social media and what we say on social media, and having accountability about what was said, is something that we really do have to look at," she insisted. 

 

She said the issue further highlights that there is need for safeguards to be established in relation to the responsible use of technology and social media. 

 

"It is in relation to the media, but it's in relation to many other areas. We have our children being bullied on social media and it is something that we have to address. We have many other instances on social media where things are said of people that are untrue and we have to really as a country decide what kind of country do we want. And so I again reiterate the importance of the media, the importance that we do not attack the media as they do their very legitimate work.... Even if it's a hard question, they're doing their job," Dr. Morris Dixon maintained. 

 

The video circulating online falsely accuses the chairman of the RJRGLEANER Group of directing editorial policy and links journalists at the Jamaica Gleaner to the People's National Party.

 

The Group has since denounced the video as false and misleading, adding that it was created by unidentified individuals to smear the character of the journalists.

 

The Press Association of Jamaica has since condemned the video.

 

Additionally, the PAJ expressed concern about comments made by PNP President Mark Golding labelling some media houses as JLP-aligned and comments by MP for St. Catherine South Western, Everald Warmington, insinuating that the media and the PNP destroyed former JLP leaders Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding and is intent on destroying Andrew Holness.