“Journalism Under Digital Siege” is the theme of World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2022.
It’s a theme that puts into perspective the challenges of today’s media workers in our global society, and we urge all and sundry to take time off and comprehend this important theme.
The Media Workers Association of Grenada salutes all our members and in general, the entire media fraternity on World Press Freedom Day. The day is a reminder to reflect on our profession and the major issues confronting media practitioners.
Also, World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for solidarity and to challenge ourselves to commit to improving our capacity in all areas of our profession. The majority of Grenada’s media population are young and our media landscape is no walk in the park.
The political directorate and private sector are the economic strengths and their influence is impactful. They provide much of the capital that enables local media to serve the public and employ us as journalists, broadcasters, technicians, videographers, and more. As workers, we are convinced that training opportunities are in urgent need and MWAG calls upon media owners and the state to make greater investments in media scholarships. It will be a huge positive for the future of more quality Grenadian media workers. Equally important, we impress upon our members who desire a professional career in the various fields of media to make investments in their development. New technology continues to transform media and it is visible to all.
The World Press Freedom Day Theme speaks to journalists under siege. The dictionary gives the meaning of siege as a “fortified place to cut off supplies and compel its surrender.”
The work of independent journalists is being undermined on social media by operatives who desire an advantage for their clients. They deliberately circulate fake news to influence and confuse people. Public Relations officers and media consultants endeavour to give their clients an advantage at the expense of the real facts. It is most prevalent now that the so-call “silly season” is with us here in Grenada. MWAG is urging the nation to be aware of the insincerity of people who use social media for self-interest.
We respect the criticisms of our profession and learn from them. As an organisation, we champion professionalism and will continue to work with media owners, news directors, program managers, and stakeholders, in general, to further enhance the local media.
In conclusion, respect our media practitioners as MWAG wants to earn through our professional work; therefore, the support of the wider community is fundamental. Grenada is not immune to the challenges of threats posed by increased surveillance to press freedom and privacy. Control of the narrative is what many in powerful positions desire.
We all must do more to address the risks and seize the opportunities of the digital age but not at the expense of Press Freedom.
MWAG congratulates our Grenadian media workers to have genuinely served the profession.
MWAG
