New MAJ exec keeps eye on Data Protection Bill, digital switchover

THE NEW executive of the Media Association Jamaica (MAJ) has vowed to continue lobbying on issues of importance to all media players, whether members of the organisation or not.

“The media landscape in Jamaica is fraught with issues which will erode the sustainability of the industry if not addressed through a collective effort,” the association said in a release yesterday.

Among the areas of focus this year, the MAJ will be monitoring developments in the digital switchover process as it awaits the Government’s policy position, which it says could have implications for free-to-air television. It will be seeking to strengthen its relationship with the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica and continue its fight to safeguard the freedom of the press.

“The MAJ holds that, apart from providing advertisers with platforms to promote their brands, a free and sustainable media is crucial for maintaining democracy. In this vein, the organisation continues to keep a close eye on the developments of the proposed Data Protection Bill introduced in late 2017.

“The organisation believes that, while it is important to have rules governing the handling of personal data in this increasingly digital world, any proposed law – the practical application of which has the potential of frustrating the process of responsible dissemination of information of public interest – must be challenged vigorously on behalf of the public the media serves. This is no different from the approach taken by the MAJ on Jamaica’s defamation laws and the Access to Information Act, both of which should be due for further review and update.”

BARNES RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN

Christopher Barnes, managing director of The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited, was re-elected as chairman to lead the nine-member MAJ executive, which comprises representatives from a collective of six independently owned media businesses.

Steve Billings of Suncity Radio Jamaica Limited and Debbian Dewar of Grove Broadcasting Company Limited (IRIE FM) were elected vice-chairpersons.

Danville Walker (Jamaica Observer Limited), Keith Campbell (Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica), D’Adra Williams (Zip 103 FM), Claire Grant (Television Jamaica), Kenneth Grant (Nationwide News Network Limited) and Dennis Howard (Radio Jamaica Limited) round out the executive.

Andrea Messam and Shena Stubbs-Gibson retained their positions of treasurer and secretary appointees, respectively.