TTPBA: Let journalists do their job

The TT Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA) says journalists must hold true to their responsibilities and demand that they be allowed to fulfil their mandate in a time when journalism is under increasing attack from all directions.

The comment was part of a wider press statement issued by the association in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3 annually.

The association said in its release that TT should never take for granted the critical role a free press plays in its democracy.

“An informed public is a fundamental tenet of journalism and is inextricably linked to the nation’s ability to hold those that influence our democracy accountable.

“This is never more important than in an age when not only fake news and misinformation are rampant but the ability to reach audiences with ease is unprecedented,” it said.

The association added that journalists must manoeuvre through today’s difficult information landscape to present facts without fear or favour.

“They must hold integrity as a key watchword,” the release said.

It added that journalists must remain strong and determined at a time when it is easier and commonplace to attack the media when the truth is reported rather than hold people accountable.

Citizens should be proud of enjoying a free press and fight for its survival as the press fights for theirs, the TTPBA said.

The association said that currently faced with inadequate legislation, it was incumbent on Trinidad and Tobago's legislators to do so with press freedom in mind.

“Freedom of information and protection of journalists should be foremost in their minds as they go about serving the people,” it said.

The TTPBA said it has co-operated and will always co-operate with TT’s legislators as: “we continue to monitor legislation that affects press freedoms directly and indirectly, and by extension, the people’s right to know.”