The Trinidad and Tobago government is taking a similar approach to Jamaica in requesting free air time from private media entities to air government programmes.
Communications Minister Jamal Mohammed has said that the People’s Partnership administration wants one free hour of media time to air government programmes to inform the public.
Mr. Mohammed, who said there had been some concern about the issue, said the initial suggestion had been for two hours but there was consensus on seeking only one hour of free air time from the media.
He said some people might call Government’s information on its work “propaganda,” but the state had a duty to the population to relay its information publicly for people to be properly informed rather than operate on misinformation.
Mr. Mohammed said the ministry’s draft communication of information policy, which would be released in upcoming months, was committed to press freedom.
The twin island republic has over 30 radio stations and ten television stations.
He said Government would not target prime time slots which attracted high advertising income for media houses.
Mohammed said Government’s goal included increasing local content in radio/TV programming.
Saying patriotism was at an all-time low, he signalled moves towards establishing a national media archive centre and museum to chronicle the work of journalists over the years.
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