Holness' statements seek to undermine trust in media, says MAJ

The Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) is backing the Press Association of Jamaica in raising concern about statements by Prime Minister Andrew Holness who has questioned the credibility of the media.

Holness, speaking recently in Kingston Western was skeptical of the coverage provided by sections of the media and directed supporters to follow him on his social media pages to get the news.

READ: PAJ criticises Holness’ remarks about the press

An editorial published in today's Gleaner rejected the notion that the Jamaican media cannot stand up to criticism.

READ: Mr Holness loves the press, doesn't he?

In a statement this afternoon, the MAJ said it encourages free speech but had an issue with Holness' generalisation of the media.

"The 'broad brush' comments used by the PM seek to distract from the valuable work done on behalf of this nation by a press fraternity celebrating excellence days later," said an MAJ spokesperson in a release.

The MAJ further said it appears the Prime Minister is only prepared to support the media when it suits his purposes.

According to the MAJ, the prime minister's utterances are not consistent with the leadership of a country ranking in the top 10 globally for press freedom, saying the statements only serve to undermine the national trust in the media.

"It is the type of tactic increasingly employed elsewhere in the world, more recently in the United States, which polarises persons in a democratic society to detrimental effect," the MAJ spokesperson said.

The group said the work of the media does not allow journalists to take sides, and therefore the role as guardians of truth holds them to a higher account in offering their audiences fact from fiction.

"We encourage PM Holness to recognise the gravity of his statements and correct the same in what is the beginning of a critical period where voters make choices about who will lead this country," said the MAJ spokesperson.

Further, the MAJ urged politicians to focus on the merits they bring to the electorate rather than chastise the institutions which work to keep them transparent.

WHAT HOLNESS SAID:

“I was just listening to the news, before I came here, and you know, the news report is the news report, I make no comment on the opinions proffered by journalists, because that is the freedom of the society. They can take whatever stance they want to take because it’s free media, it doesn’t have to be the truth. It doesn’t have to relate to the facts, it’s their opinion... all the things that are presented to you are facts or are true and you have other alternatives besides what is presented to you as news. You can go on social media, you can go on my page, Andrew Holness JM, all my social media pages, the party pages, you have so much now, news opportunity, to get informed, you don’t have to rely on one particular media for information or commentary or opinion.”

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.