RELEASE: NEED FOR IMPROVED LEGISLATION AND STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION

In a world where there is a constant threat of the dismantling of democracy under the weight of disinformation and misinformation, the Media Institute of the Caribbean joins our colleagues across the globe in calling for improved legislation and transparency in acknowledgement of information as a public good and the right of the public to know.

The 2022 WPFD theme ‘Journalism Under Digital Siege’ is a declaration of the fact that there must be initiatives towards safeguarding journalists including strengthened legal protection.

We call for the strengthening of Access to Information legislation where they exist, and for their introduction where they do not; Whistleblower Legislation; Procurement Legislation; and for exclusions for journalists with regard to Data Protection laws.

Big tech entities and social media platforms must take responsibility to work towards the development of proactive and corrective action to mitigate the spread of false information and harmful content. A proactive collaborative approach by all stakeholders is needed  in the march against the destructive and disruptive elements which propagate disinformation.

The illegal surveillance of journalists is an attempt to stifle the truth. Software such as Pegasus and Predator are examples of the danger that journalists face.  The safety of journalists and confidentiality of sources are essential and the lack of meaningful policy frameworks leads to the deterioration of an informed society.

Media viability and the sustainability in small island developing states and developing countries are more challenging than ever. We are at the edge of a precipice and survival is contingent on a multistakeholder approach hinged on media literacy and a commitment to protecting the right of the public to know. A solutions-based, action-oriented approach is required.

The Media Institute of the Caribbean recently researched and produced a pilot study on UNESCO’s Media Viability Indicators (Lite version) with Jamaica as the case study (www.mediainstituteofthecaribbean.com). This report was insightful and instructive and will be beneficial to our global community and neighbours. We might be separated by water but not by purpose and vision.

 We really want state regulators to go after disinformation? Or do we want content moderators to police themselves better?

Contact Info: www.mediainsitutecaribbean.com

Tel: 876-846-0525  /  868-222-1035

E-mail: mediainstitutecaribbean@gmail.com