In 2022, the Public Media Alliance (PMA) supported by UNESCO, commissioned a study as a situation report done by the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) and the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) titled, “Media literacy, disinformation & misinformation in the Caribbean”. The following was noted: “The Caribbean has a vibrant and diverse media landscape, with rapidly developing digital services. However, mis- and disinformation have increased across the region, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and crises, posing a threat to the regional media environment and to the lives and wellbeing of its citizens. Improved media and information literacy is a necessary and a pivotal way of tackling disinformation in society, along with trust in verified independent news and citizen engagement. Meanwhile, the potential for collaboration in the Caribbean media landscape remains relatively untapped. One solution is to create a strong Caribbean-wide network of affordable and accessible sources of verified news. The project explored the viability of cross-border collaboration for fact- checking initiatives that support media literacy and fight disinformation while improving the capacity of Caribbean media workers to promote media literacy and thwart disinformation. The project’s final objective was to contribute towards improved media and information literacy in the Caribbean by laying the foundation for more careful reporting, fact-checking, transparency regarding media ownership, and increased regional collaboration.” Watching the watchdogs : Several researchers noted that there are low barriers to entry into the media landscape. While, understandably, social media was a breeding ground for “citizen journalists” to share information with little to no qualifications, it was also pointed out that established media houses (print, television, radio, and online sites) similarly struggled with recruiting qualified media workers. In Grenada, for example, researcher Linda Straker explained that it is not uncommon for those entering media careers locally to do so immediately following graduation from secondary school. Luckily, she added, an Associate Degree in Media Studies is offered by a local community college and several newsroom staff at print media outlets have obtained this certification. But it becomes more difficult to find broadcasters or announcers who have pursued the associate degree level certification and, as a result, many announcers or DJs are untrained before entering their professions. Similarly in St Vincent & the Grenadines, researcher Colvin Harry found that on- air radio hosts serve as conduits for disinformation. Hence, with low barriers to entry, regulating formal media organisations was put forward by several researchers as a way to curb the impact of irresponsible journalism, lower disinformation and promote media literacy, and build trust in news. In their recommendations, researchers called for legislative changes, such as a review of the Newspapers Act to include online publications in Grenada. Recommended regulation was not limited to legislative changes. Some researchers also recommended improved regulation through media associations. For instance, Barbados researcher recommended the creation of a professional association that accredits journalists and disciplines “malpractice” by media workers. Meanwhile, in Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines where there are no media workers’ associations there were calls for the establishment of such bodies.” Mapping the Information Ecosystem – the Internews Approach
A Media Analysis of the Coverage of Youth Involvement in Crime and Violence and Trafficking in Persons (June 2021 to June 2023) in the Eastern Caribbean 17
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