OPM to review flow of information to media

The Communication Department of  the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM)  will be reviewing arrangements to ensure the orderly flow of  information to the media.

The decision follows incidents involving Television Jamaica (TVJ) reporter Andre Jebbinson, Nationwide reporter Abka Fitz-Henley as well as the Director of  Communication at the OPM, Huntley Medley, at Wednesday’s Jamaica House Media Briefing.

In a statement early Thursday, Medley said media reports on the incident have not all conveyed the position and views of  the Communication and Public Affairs Department.

He said the Department has advocated for the briefing to be held more regularly and for there to be “fulsome, honest, open communication with the media and the public at all times.

He asserted that there are basic procedures that have always guided media briefings and press conferences at Jamaica House.

He said, in one incident, the microphone was taken from the journalist, while the audio was cut for another after both were asked to permit others to pose questions.

He added that he accepts the negative impression created by his actions and the media reports of  what transpired and said he  will not attempt to muzzle journalists in the performance of  their duties.   

However, he said journalists also have a duty to act responsibly, fairly, and to recognize and respect the rights of  others, including their  colleagues.                   

Meanwhile, the  Press Association of  Jamaica (PAJ) in its response, said journalists Andre Jebbinson and Abka Fitz-Henley were fulfilling their responsibilities to get information in the public interest.

The PAJ says, in displaying their persistence in asking questions on a matter of  significant national interest, they were doing what any good journalist would.

At the same time, the Association says it must be acknowledged that the organisers of  press conferences have the right to allow other journalists to ask questions. It adds that it must be within their right to request journalists asking questions to yield.

However, the PAJ contends that the process at the media briefing was not handled professionally.

The Association has called on the Office of  the Prime Minister to find ways to manage its press conferences other than to have officials physically wresting microphones from journalists.

The PAJ says this is not acceptable and is urging a review of  its procedures in this regard.

The Association has also expressed  concern about the frequency of Jamaica House Media Briefings.  

The PAJ says there is also the problem of  inadequate answers to questions of  national interest provided at many of the briefings. 

The Association says the OPM must ensure that officials who are able to respond to the issues are present at such briefings.

The PAJ adds that, while procedures must be followed, there must also be adequate time allowed for questions and answers. It says this has not always been the case.

And the PAJ has chastised the Government for its lack of  interaction with the media.

The Association says, on previous occasions it has called for the Prime Minister to engage with the press and to hold, on a regular basis, press briefings in which she can address issues of  national importance.

No such press conference has been held for months.

The PAJ says the issue was again put to the Prime Minister on Tuesday during a courtesy call.