Opposition warns government against politicization of public broadcasting/information services

The People's National Party (PNP) is warning the government against what it says is the creeping politicization of public broadcasting and information services.

In a media release last evening the PNP said it is very concerned about media reports regarding leadership changes in government's communication units, beginning with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS). 

It has been reported that the contract of JIS head Donna-Marie Rowe, which expired yesterday, would not be renewed.

The PNP described her performance in the role as sterling and questioned the new government strategy and why she was deemed unqualified to effect the changes.

The party says it is further concerned about talk of changes to come at the Public Broadcasting Corporation of  Jamaica (PBCJ) and the Broadcasting Commission (BCJ). 

Noting that the BCJ is a regulatory agency, the PNP said it's concerned the information minister appears to be intent on politicizing the governance boards, when the law gives the power of appointment to the Governor General specifically to keep these agencies out of  the political fray. 

It says it's essential that the line between promoting government policy and party political interests is not crossed at public information agencies.