TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
There were few stories on solutions even though some initiatives were mentioned in reports. There was a lack of follow-up stories on such programs and projects. There were no examples of positive changes or outcomes resulting from media coverage. Impact and Public Perception to Support Advocacy of improved TIP policy Story angles examining the impact of TIP on communities and the public perception of the issue and those affected was non-existent. This limits the degree to which the public is motivated to take action against human trafficking, via advocacy, creating dialogue or constructive discussion and giving feedback to lawmakers or political influencers who can lobby for policy changes. Media coverage plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of human trafficking, influencing awareness, attitudes, and responses to the issue. The impact of media coverage on public perception can be both positive and negative, depending on various factors such as the framing, accuracy, and frequency of the coverage. A former senior official involved in counter trafficking in the region stated that “insufficient reporting is done on the legislative aspect including who is charged, why cases are delayed and what the government’s plans are following the TIP reports from the United States Department”. The individual explained that “the media can have an impact by reporting in more detail on these areas which will make the public aware and perhaps influence those in authority to be proactive.” Diversity and Inclusivity By including multiple perspectives from different sectors of society such as representatives such as survivors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), law enforcement, and community leaders, a more comprehensive understanding of the issue can be reflected in the reporting. This inclusivity can help in identifying both the problems and the solutions, offering a multidimensional view of human trafficking. Working closely with NGOs, advocacy groups, and researchers can enhance the accuracy and depth of reports. Technology and Social Media Researchers were unable to address this as there were limitations with regards to accessing and monitoring online data from social communities. Collaboration and Partnerships It was evident that there is a lack of networking by journalists to create a forum for an exchange of information on TIP. A former Head of the Counter Trafficking Unit in Trinidad and Tobago said that the media did not report on or highlight the work of the civil society organizations (CSOs) that were truly making a difference and performing very positive work in the communities. She noted that the press releases and information submitted to the media by such entities were not published.
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 83
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