Friday, March 24, 2006
Become a Published Writer
Media Bias and Responsible Journalism (Bahamas)
I have been compelled to write the following article to express my views on journalism and reporting in the Bahamas. The two major daily newspapers are perceived to be guilty of reporting the news in such a way that they could be perceived to be bias.
One paper is more biased that the otheraccording to feedback received. The article that is apperaing in this blog was sent to three newspaper publishers in the bahamas but the only newspaper to publish it was the Nassau Guardian, and to them I say thank you for providing a field that is leveled.
here is my feature article :
Media Bias and Responsible Journalism
I am compelled to pen my views on Media Bias and Responsible Journalism as I see it being practiced here in the Bahamas. Media bias according to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia “is the term used to describe a real or perceived bias of journalists and news producers within mass media, in the selection of which events will be reported and how they are covered. The term “media bias” usually refers to a pervasive or widespread bias contravening the standards of journalism, rather than the perspective of an individual journalists or article.”
The Society of Professional Journalism in its Preamble states b that “Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that the public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalists is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of event and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to the ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society’s principles and standards of practice”.
Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Do you believe that the journalists and media houses responsible for collecting and disseminating the news here in the Bahamas are fair and honest in their reporting of the news?
Do you believe that journalists and the media houses show a high degree of partiality especially when reporting business, social and political news?
I have observed the reporting style of the two major newspapers over the years and have come to the conclusion that it appears that they sometimes fail to distinguish between advocacy and news reporting, especially when it concerns political groups, certain social groups and
Certain mega business operations.
I believe that journalists should as far as it is humanly possible avoid conflict of interest, real or perceived, if they favour one political party over that of the other or one business over the other or one social group over that of another, it should not be shown in their reporting of the news. The field should not only appear to be level, it should be leveled in fact.
Journalists and publishers and other forms of news Medias should always be seen to be above reproach. They must be seen to be the guardian of democracy by searching for the truth and reporting it accordingly; by minimizing harm; by being ethical and by treating their sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving respect.
Journalists should strive to always be seen to be acting independently and free from any form of obligation to any interest group other than that of the public’s right to know.
Many journalists and newspaper editorials are constantly clamoring for good and accountable government, today as a citizen of this great country of ours, I am asking for newspaper publishers and journalists to become accountable to the Bahamian public by providing fair, honest, independent and accurate reporting of events for the reading and listening public.
Karl Marx, wrote in his Communist Manifesto and so did the American President Benjamin Franklin in his writings, as quoted “give me twenty six lead soldiers and I will conquer the world”, I challenge you the editors of our newspapers, publishers and journalists in general, to use these “twenty six lead soldiers” for good and constructive reasons; to conquer illiteracy and ignorance among our people and to bridge the gap between the cultures and ethnicity that exist here in the Bahamas instead of dividing our people. Let your ink and paper be magnetic by bringing us together, let it be used for uplifting, let it be used for education and let it not be used for personal gain or personal prejudices or vindictiveness.
Publishers and journalists, desist from showing us that you favour one political party over that of the other, resist the temptation of reporting favourably for one business to the detriment of the other; balance the playing field through responsible and un-biased reporting; refrain from taking the position of an advocate rather than being a true independent and professional journalists; strive to be objective and not subjective. Balance your news reporting by giving both sides of a story equal weight.
I believe that good and responsible journalism is an art, one that is respected and one that assist mankind to become more civil as well as accountable and to respect the Rule of Law.
Good and responsible journalism is the reporting of news skillfully, independently, factually and devoid of bias either in fact or perceived.
As active and involved Bahamian news consumers, we should demand un-biased news reporting notwithstanding its delivery form, manner or method. We must become the vanguard to keep news reporting honest, accountable and independent by watching for their flaws in reporting and pointing them out.
According to the Honest Reporting Association of Canada, the following are seven key violations of the media s objectivity to look for, they are:
Misleading definitions and terminology
Imbalanced reporting
Opinions disguised as news
Lack of context
Selective omission
Using true facts to draw false conclusions
Distortion of facts.
Have you ever questioned why certain letter writers to the press seem to always have a letter printed? Did you ever rationalize that there perhaps are those who have opposing views? Did you ever question why their views are not being published? Did it ever occur to you that these newspapers are assuming the role of advocates rather than that of news reporting?
In conclusion, I leave you with those questions, for you to answer for yourselves as I am confident that you are intelligent and very independent in you views. Before I go I must congratulate, Vicky Kelly and Sir Arthur Foulkes, for their un-biased and straight up reporting, they give everyone their rightful due. Let’s become responsible news consumers, and stop editors, journalists, talk show hosts’ and newspaper publishers and other organizations and news Medias from practicing biased news reporting which leads to divisiveness among the citizenry.
Credit is given to the following organizations: The Society of Professional Journalism, The Honest Reporting Organization of Canada, and Wikipedia the open Encyclopedia and Rhetorica, for research materials or ideas used.
One paper is more biased that the otheraccording to feedback received. The article that is apperaing in this blog was sent to three newspaper publishers in the bahamas but the only newspaper to publish it was the Nassau Guardian, and to them I say thank you for providing a field that is leveled.
here is my feature article :
Media Bias and Responsible Journalism
I am compelled to pen my views on Media Bias and Responsible Journalism as I see it being practiced here in the Bahamas. Media bias according to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia “is the term used to describe a real or perceived bias of journalists and news producers within mass media, in the selection of which events will be reported and how they are covered. The term “media bias” usually refers to a pervasive or widespread bias contravening the standards of journalism, rather than the perspective of an individual journalists or article.”
The Society of Professional Journalism in its Preamble states b that “Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that the public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalists is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of event and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to the ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society’s principles and standards of practice”.
Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Do you believe that the journalists and media houses responsible for collecting and disseminating the news here in the Bahamas are fair and honest in their reporting of the news?
Do you believe that journalists and the media houses show a high degree of partiality especially when reporting business, social and political news?
I have observed the reporting style of the two major newspapers over the years and have come to the conclusion that it appears that they sometimes fail to distinguish between advocacy and news reporting, especially when it concerns political groups, certain social groups and
Certain mega business operations.
I believe that journalists should as far as it is humanly possible avoid conflict of interest, real or perceived, if they favour one political party over that of the other or one business over the other or one social group over that of another, it should not be shown in their reporting of the news. The field should not only appear to be level, it should be leveled in fact.
Journalists and publishers and other forms of news Medias should always be seen to be above reproach. They must be seen to be the guardian of democracy by searching for the truth and reporting it accordingly; by minimizing harm; by being ethical and by treating their sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving respect.
Journalists should strive to always be seen to be acting independently and free from any form of obligation to any interest group other than that of the public’s right to know.
Many journalists and newspaper editorials are constantly clamoring for good and accountable government, today as a citizen of this great country of ours, I am asking for newspaper publishers and journalists to become accountable to the Bahamian public by providing fair, honest, independent and accurate reporting of events for the reading and listening public.
Karl Marx, wrote in his Communist Manifesto and so did the American President Benjamin Franklin in his writings, as quoted “give me twenty six lead soldiers and I will conquer the world”, I challenge you the editors of our newspapers, publishers and journalists in general, to use these “twenty six lead soldiers” for good and constructive reasons; to conquer illiteracy and ignorance among our people and to bridge the gap between the cultures and ethnicity that exist here in the Bahamas instead of dividing our people. Let your ink and paper be magnetic by bringing us together, let it be used for uplifting, let it be used for education and let it not be used for personal gain or personal prejudices or vindictiveness.
Publishers and journalists, desist from showing us that you favour one political party over that of the other, resist the temptation of reporting favourably for one business to the detriment of the other; balance the playing field through responsible and un-biased reporting; refrain from taking the position of an advocate rather than being a true independent and professional journalists; strive to be objective and not subjective. Balance your news reporting by giving both sides of a story equal weight.
I believe that good and responsible journalism is an art, one that is respected and one that assist mankind to become more civil as well as accountable and to respect the Rule of Law.
Good and responsible journalism is the reporting of news skillfully, independently, factually and devoid of bias either in fact or perceived.
As active and involved Bahamian news consumers, we should demand un-biased news reporting notwithstanding its delivery form, manner or method. We must become the vanguard to keep news reporting honest, accountable and independent by watching for their flaws in reporting and pointing them out.
According to the Honest Reporting Association of Canada, the following are seven key violations of the media s objectivity to look for, they are:
Misleading definitions and terminology
Imbalanced reporting
Opinions disguised as news
Lack of context
Selective omission
Using true facts to draw false conclusions
Distortion of facts.
Have you ever questioned why certain letter writers to the press seem to always have a letter printed? Did you ever rationalize that there perhaps are those who have opposing views? Did you ever question why their views are not being published? Did it ever occur to you that these newspapers are assuming the role of advocates rather than that of news reporting?
In conclusion, I leave you with those questions, for you to answer for yourselves as I am confident that you are intelligent and very independent in you views. Before I go I must congratulate, Vicky Kelly and Sir Arthur Foulkes, for their un-biased and straight up reporting, they give everyone their rightful due. Let’s become responsible news consumers, and stop editors, journalists, talk show hosts’ and newspaper publishers and other organizations and news Medias from practicing biased news reporting which leads to divisiveness among the citizenry.
Credit is given to the following organizations: The Society of Professional Journalism, The Honest Reporting Organization of Canada, and Wikipedia the open Encyclopedia and Rhetorica, for research materials or ideas used.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Tonique Williams-Darling, the Bahamian gold medalist in the last olympics and World Champion, was honoured yesterday with the naming of Nassau's newset highway in her honour. The new highway will be known as the "Tonique W. Darling highway".
The highway is in the same neighbourhood where she grew up and a stones throw from the high school she attended. This is truly a great honour for a great and young athlete, an honour which will defenitely serve as beacon and a inspiration for younger athelete .
Prime Minister, Perry Christie, made it official when he declared the "Tonique W. Darling highway", open to the amusement and appreciation of many Bahamians, who witnessed the historic moment.
Tonique said that she was greatful for the honour and was very pleased as it would definitely motivate the country's youth to excell in sports and hopefully take them to stardom and the country to greater heights as a sporting power in the global arena.
" I feel great to know that from this hope will be given to the hopeless and strength to the Bahamian people to do whatever they want to accomplish in this life", she said.
" I feel great to have accompolish something, to give back to the youth and to every individual in the Bahamas who desires to accomplish something. Every time they travel down this highway, they are going to be able to associate with the values that I had with my gold medal expereinces".
Bahamian Times Weblog, congratulates Tonique, for a job well done and hope that her successes be continueous as well as contagious!
The highway is in the same neighbourhood where she grew up and a stones throw from the high school she attended. This is truly a great honour for a great and young athlete, an honour which will defenitely serve as beacon and a inspiration for younger athelete .
Prime Minister, Perry Christie, made it official when he declared the "Tonique W. Darling highway", open to the amusement and appreciation of many Bahamians, who witnessed the historic moment.
Tonique said that she was greatful for the honour and was very pleased as it would definitely motivate the country's youth to excell in sports and hopefully take them to stardom and the country to greater heights as a sporting power in the global arena.
" I feel great to know that from this hope will be given to the hopeless and strength to the Bahamian people to do whatever they want to accomplish in this life", she said.
" I feel great to have accompolish something, to give back to the youth and to every individual in the Bahamas who desires to accomplish something. Every time they travel down this highway, they are going to be able to associate with the values that I had with my gold medal expereinces".
Bahamian Times Weblog, congratulates Tonique, for a job well done and hope that her successes be continueous as well as contagious!
Breath taking Bahamian Blue Waters.Only in The Bahamas.
Bahamian Tourist attraction...Fort Charlotte.
Bridge over beautiful waters that links Nassau to Paradise Island.
The Nassau Harbour..With magnificent cruise ships...Beautiful
The bust of a Bahamian hero..Sir Milo B. Butler..First Governor General of The Bahamas.
Bahamian Poinciana in all its splendour and glory..simply beautiful.
This is Rawson Square, the seat of The Government.
Beautiful Bahamian waters, with some ancient fishing sloops in the harbour.
Dolphin Encounters original company sign.Dolphin Encounters is the home of "The Dolphins", Blue lagoon Island, Bahamas
This is the magnificent Atlantis hotel, Paradise Island, Bahamas.
Monday, October 03, 2005
BAHAMIAN TIMES WEBLOG EDITORIAL
The Political landscape in the Bahamas is now taking on a new form as the present Opposition Party, the Free National Movement, find it's self in another muddle to find a true leader.
The present members of the FNM, in the Bahamas House of Assembly (Parliament), has orchestrated a very clever plan to have former Prime Minister, The Right Honourable, Hubert Alexander Ingraham, returned as leader of the FNM, which ironically was in a leadership crisis, when he first joined in the late 1990's , and subsequently won the election of 1992 and thereby becoming Prime Minister, in the first ever FNM, government.
It seems as though the pendulum has shifted again in favour of Mr. Ingraham, however, this new move by the Parliamentarians that represent the Free National Movement, could cause a major rift in the FNM, as they seek to oust the current leader of the party the Hon. Tommy Turnquest, whom has been democratically elected as the leader of the Free National Party.
Mr. Turnquest, major problem is when we consider the leadership of the FNM, is the fact that he is the leader outside of Parliament, thereby negating his opposition party leadership authority, as the Bahamian Constitution, only recognizes the leadership that is inside of Parliament. Mr. Turnquest, was not elected to the House of Assembly, therfore, he is not the legal leader of the FNM inside of the House of Assembly, as recognized by the constitution.
Can the Free National Movement, win the forthcoming 2007, election with Tommy Turnquest? This is the jackpot question that scores of Bahamians inside the FNM, the Progressive Liberal Party (the PLP) as well as the general populace are asking.
Bahamian Times Weblog, is of the opinion that he cannot, because while he has been able to keep the FNM, together after their humilating defeat approximately two and a hallf years ago, he was not as vocal and assertive enough in bringing to the attention of the Bahamian public the failures and the weaknesses of the ruling Progressive Party and there has been a good number of issues that he should have capitalized on.
Conversely, can Hubert Ingraham, win the next election? Many Bahamians believe that he can! This seems like a paradoxical question, since he was soundly defeated by the same people who believes that he can win again! The next question that needs to be answered, is why did Hubert Ingraham, lost the last election? Was it because of poor leadership or the Referandum, that he put forward to the Bahamian people?
Bahamian Times Weblog, beleives that Hubert Ingraham, will be a formidable foe and a force to be reckoned with in the 2007, election if he leads the FNM into it. Mr. Ingraham, style of leadership has been questioned by may as well as has been much an object for criticism, however, he was nonetheless regarded as a solid leader who got the job done and done well even if he had to do it himself and in some instances he did just that.
Will the move to replace Hon Tommy Turnquest, succeed? It has already succeeded, as the Governor General of the Bahamas, will soon recognize, The Rt.Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, as the Opposition Leader, in the House of Assembly, as soon as he accepts as he has already won the FMN's Council vote of acceptanc. What next? Will we see the emergence of a new opposition party (official), will the elected representatives in the House of Assembly (FNM) continue as FNM's or create a new brand for themselves? We shall see in the days to come...To be continued.......... Bahamian Times Weblog Editorial.
The Political landscape in the Bahamas is now taking on a new form as the present Opposition Party, the Free National Movement, find it's self in another muddle to find a true leader.
The present members of the FNM, in the Bahamas House of Assembly (Parliament), has orchestrated a very clever plan to have former Prime Minister, The Right Honourable, Hubert Alexander Ingraham, returned as leader of the FNM, which ironically was in a leadership crisis, when he first joined in the late 1990's , and subsequently won the election of 1992 and thereby becoming Prime Minister, in the first ever FNM, government.
It seems as though the pendulum has shifted again in favour of Mr. Ingraham, however, this new move by the Parliamentarians that represent the Free National Movement, could cause a major rift in the FNM, as they seek to oust the current leader of the party the Hon. Tommy Turnquest, whom has been democratically elected as the leader of the Free National Party.
Mr. Turnquest, major problem is when we consider the leadership of the FNM, is the fact that he is the leader outside of Parliament, thereby negating his opposition party leadership authority, as the Bahamian Constitution, only recognizes the leadership that is inside of Parliament. Mr. Turnquest, was not elected to the House of Assembly, therfore, he is not the legal leader of the FNM inside of the House of Assembly, as recognized by the constitution.
Can the Free National Movement, win the forthcoming 2007, election with Tommy Turnquest? This is the jackpot question that scores of Bahamians inside the FNM, the Progressive Liberal Party (the PLP) as well as the general populace are asking.
Bahamian Times Weblog, is of the opinion that he cannot, because while he has been able to keep the FNM, together after their humilating defeat approximately two and a hallf years ago, he was not as vocal and assertive enough in bringing to the attention of the Bahamian public the failures and the weaknesses of the ruling Progressive Party and there has been a good number of issues that he should have capitalized on.
Conversely, can Hubert Ingraham, win the next election? Many Bahamians believe that he can! This seems like a paradoxical question, since he was soundly defeated by the same people who believes that he can win again! The next question that needs to be answered, is why did Hubert Ingraham, lost the last election? Was it because of poor leadership or the Referandum, that he put forward to the Bahamian people?
Bahamian Times Weblog, beleives that Hubert Ingraham, will be a formidable foe and a force to be reckoned with in the 2007, election if he leads the FNM into it. Mr. Ingraham, style of leadership has been questioned by may as well as has been much an object for criticism, however, he was nonetheless regarded as a solid leader who got the job done and done well even if he had to do it himself and in some instances he did just that.
Will the move to replace Hon Tommy Turnquest, succeed? It has already succeeded, as the Governor General of the Bahamas, will soon recognize, The Rt.Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, as the Opposition Leader, in the House of Assembly, as soon as he accepts as he has already won the FMN's Council vote of acceptanc. What next? Will we see the emergence of a new opposition party (official), will the elected representatives in the House of Assembly (FNM) continue as FNM's or create a new brand for themselves? We shall see in the days to come...To be continued.......... Bahamian Times Weblog Editorial.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
The Bahamas is one of the most beautiful spot ever created on earth. It is home to many magnificant wild life including bottled nosed dolphins,beautiful flamingos, and the people are very warm and friendly.
The Bahamas, is blessed to have constantly have a government that was democratically elected for more that 250 years.This is truly remarkable, and it shows the true meaning of the "Rule of Law".
The Bahamas has been further blessed to have one of the strongest economy in the western world barring its size, it ranking behind the USA and Canada.
Many companies and individuals from around the globe have invested billions of dollars in the Bahamas and will continue to do so because of its strong economy, good governance and stability as a financial centre.
The Bahamas has just recently welcomed its new partner, the Bar Mar Group, which is slated to pump over one billion dollars into its economy,joining another billion dollar investment contribution from the Kerzner Group, the operators of the Magnificent Atlantis Resort, which is second to none in this region and perhaps in the world.
In the Bahamas, there are numerous touristic attractions, from swimming with the dolphins to snorkling, shark feeding, dancing, gourmet restaurants, sailing, dinner cruises, nature tours...its just too much to pen here.......
I invite you to come on down and visit the place that I call home...The Bahamas.
The Bahamas, is blessed to have constantly have a government that was democratically elected for more that 250 years.This is truly remarkable, and it shows the true meaning of the "Rule of Law".
The Bahamas has been further blessed to have one of the strongest economy in the western world barring its size, it ranking behind the USA and Canada.
Many companies and individuals from around the globe have invested billions of dollars in the Bahamas and will continue to do so because of its strong economy, good governance and stability as a financial centre.
The Bahamas has just recently welcomed its new partner, the Bar Mar Group, which is slated to pump over one billion dollars into its economy,joining another billion dollar investment contribution from the Kerzner Group, the operators of the Magnificent Atlantis Resort, which is second to none in this region and perhaps in the world.
In the Bahamas, there are numerous touristic attractions, from swimming with the dolphins to snorkling, shark feeding, dancing, gourmet restaurants, sailing, dinner cruises, nature tours...its just too much to pen here.......
I invite you to come on down and visit the place that I call home...The Bahamas.
