COMMENTARY

Broadcast media in the Caribbean can build national consciousness

by Marcia Braveboy

Monday, June 7, 2004

I can distinctly recall someone once saying, they used to listen to the radio ‘long time’ to learn something or to be edified; these days, according to the individual, he listens to the radio ‘for kicks’.

Of course he was being derogatory but suffice it to say, the sentiments of this individual have been echoed by numbers of persons.

Emerging disc jockeys don’t even DJ with a touch of integrity, and broadcast comments that are irrelevant or without substance are seriously contributing to the moral decadence of our society.

The decline is further facilitated by our local television stations, which lack the vision to create effective programming for our young ones in particular. Instead they see fit to advertise and show on a daily basis, daytime soaps and meaningless movies, inclusive of American commercials that by extension contribute to various types of violence throughout the region.

Since it’s one planet we have and each of us have a part to play in saving it, then I am registering my concern and suggestions for the development of our broadcast media and how it can be used to arouse national consciousness throughout the region.

Let me begin by stating that our politicians should make the first move in this process, by issuing licenses to individuals that are qualified, of good repute, and have the acumen to help create national consciousness in their broadcast plan.

Governments and politicians should stop issuing license to individuals for the purpose of their selfish political gains and favoritism or for the yearning of fame on the part of the pursuer of such license.

I believe that the television and radio broadcast media share a certain type of intimacy with its audience; thus, such must be utilized for the edification of a people, providing clean entertainment and fun.

The broadcast media throughout the region must make it their business to be associated with every effort that is being made to curb our contemporary social problems, such as AIDS, abortion, environmental pollution and more. I am not talking about radio and television talk shows. After all, that has been a reality for decades, but has it lessened crime, prostitution, or decrease the abortion rate? The answer is a resounding “no”.

The broadcaster media can use their reach to generate funds that can save lives, finance the rebuilding of a burnt down house, the health care of a child, encouraging and playing an active role in an environmental project for schools thus heightening awareness in our nations’ children.

The talk shows are seemingly worn out. Not that they are no good, but simply because some of the hosts for such programmes are very often not qualified to manage the issues in a way that will arouse national consciousness.

It is also my advice that eighty percent of the music that is aired on these mediums be that of the local artistes. But that is perhaps the same as asking to close down a rum distillery.

This very important policy will trigger hope and more Caribbean cultural scope for our young aspiring ones who are desirous of walking in the shoes of the past and present icons in our midst.

I dare say if we must imitate what America does, then let’s imitate what is for our own good, and while we cannot afford much of their technology, we can make do with what we have.

Let us create interesting, exciting and fun-filled educational programmes the way they do; and the way they do it does not mean that it has to be Americanized, the ideas can be cooked up and eaten, yes, Caribbean style.

The suggested ideas in this article may seem little, but I assure you they call for much work on our part and yes, once implemented will make our young ones feel that their home is a haven, they will develop a sense of national identity; an identity that is Caribbean and separated from the identity of American icons.

We may not capture all the adults that are already set in their ways, but if at any point we fix our focus on our young minds, and nurturing the attention they seek, positive change is then inevitable, as they too can influence the adult minds around them.

I implore on broadcast media throughout the Caribbean region to focus on the youth. To focus on them is to focus on our nation today and tomorrow in the interest of creating national consciousness among our people.

I finally suggest that we revisit and study the lifestyle of the Mayans through the teachings of Caribbean History, and we will see that the resources we have now does not make us any lesser than those who have more.

Let us make do with what we have.

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