ACM Calls for Media Self-Regulation

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Association of Caribbean Media Workers hosted a one-day workshop in Saint Lucia with an aim to discuss and create a practical media self-regulation model. Media practitioners locally and across the region huddled for the information packed session geared specifically for practicing journalists and media house operators.

Mediating the session was former TV anchor and host Onel Sanford- Belle. Belle pointed out to the STAR that as journalist their “preference is to be self regulated, in order to monitor our own standards, as oppose to allowing or to wait for harsh regulation whether by government or a private entity.” She continued: “This workshop is the second phase of a media self-regulation project which started consultations in Saint Lucia, Trinidad, Jamaica and Guyana in 2014.”

The workshop included several topics ranging from International best practices and principles, protection of freedom of expression, cyber-crime legislation and advocacy.

Notable regional journalists such as Julian Rogers, Anesia Baptiste and Sunil Ramdeen were also on hand to offer their experiences from across the region. Also hosting the open discussion was the ACM president Wesley Gibbings who spoke at length in regards to his research into the establishment of a Media Complaints Council and media self regulations that are required to govern both local and regional media associations.