At this writing, it appears that local television news
reporter Kenneth Bryan has left his day job – for the most part anyway – to
consider a career in politics.
One thing this resignation shows is how early political
campaigns are starting these days in the Cayman Islands.
Another thing it shows is that local media organisations are
becoming a bit more cautious about individuals they employ who may have
political aspirations.
This question is one that we believe will become more
important in our society as time moves on. Younger people in the territory are
watching, listening and reading. They see the success of individuals like
George Town Member of the Legislative Assembly and former radio talk show host
Ellio Solomon, and the potential candidacies of other radio talk show hosts and
now television personalities.
What are the responsibilities of these organisations going
forward? When should a person who is “in the media” leave their job, if they
wish to run for public office? A year before; a month; a week?
Also, the voting public is becoming more aware that
representations made by various media folk may be coloured by their political
leanings and their desire to seek office. This can and will affect the
credibility of these organisations. For those wondering, the Compass includes
itself in that group and we must question how we proceed ourselves in the
future as we uphold our mandate to continue to provide fair, balanced and
unbiased reports. Cayman Free Press also subscribes to a strict set of ethics,
which includes the following:
“News staff members are encouraged to be involved in
worthwhile community activities, so long as this does not compromise the
credibility of news coverage.
“When unavoidable personal or business interests could
compromise the newspaper’s credibility, such potential conflicts must be
disclosed to one’s superior and, if relevant, to readers.”
No clear best-practices have emerged yet in the Cayman
Islands so today we’ll attempt to start the discussion again. We’d like to get
some reader input on the above questions.
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UK policitics is full of members of the media who decided they could do more good getting involved than simply sitting on sidelines commentating.
Many have even continued their relationship with their former colleagues by writing newspaper columns or appearing on radio and TV.
In general, and as long as the distinction between journalist and MP or local councillor is clear, it works very well.
However, anyone who has been watching the Leveson Inquiry can see what happens when the boundaries between media and politics get blurred.
It will be interesting to see what conclusions Leveson makes – that report could help answer your questions.
The difference that Ellio and other radio talk show hosts have enjoyed is when hosting they control the dialog and can turn someone off the air. In the real world of give and take that is not the case. On the radio they always had the last word in the world not necessarily.
Randy Merren, owner of the radio station, is doing a journalistic injustice to the community by allowing him to use the call-in show as his podium for personal political positions. The fact that Austin has not yet officially announced is a distinction without a difference.
The bigotry and abuse of contributors in the radio talk shows and other forums is disgraceful.
Journalists competing with contributors to have the last word and make the most insulting statements because someone upset their apple cart.
The worst case scenario facing everyone is the political interference that the media is guilty of in taking sides and splitting the people of this country down the middle, front, and center.
The media should always maintain a neutral position but that is not the case in the Cayman Islands.
One requirement during declaration of assets and interests is that candidate must be forced to declare their affiliation/ownership/vested interest in local media such as radio and newspaper companies. Online, print or otherwise. It is destroying the country.