The hallmark of a healthy society is a strong democracy. While power brokers in these parts are wont to forget it, the media is a foundational part of any democracy that is anti-oppressive and seeks to value citizens’ rights. The warriors for democracy might have us believe otherwise, but it does not begin nor stop every election cycle. Even if one does not vote nor care to be invested in the politics of the land, they have a right to enjoy democratic freedoms, such as access to free and fair media.
The ways of censorship and propaganda by the government are nothing new. Historically, it has been much more about controlling the narrative rather than targeting those behind it. There has been a very apparent shift, however, with journalism becoming increasingly dangerous to the personal livelihood and life of those in the field. Journalists are facing increased pressures to suppress their reporting, or face being targeted, especially if their reports can be seen as negative against the government, its policies, and actions.
It isn’t that the government does not recognize the importance of the media. From the cacophony of online pages practising yellow journalism posing as news, to the direct attacks against media professionals by persons such as Kwame McCoy who has responsibility for public affairs, it is clear that they understand its scope and relevance in our informational age. This understanding, insidiously weaponized, has resulted in a long history of media professionals who uphold journalistic practices and integrity, being blatantly sidelined, harmed and even killed. McCoy at a function celebrating the importance of the media stated, “Under the PPP/C government, the matter of press freedom has been well guarded and held sacrosanct.”
Sometimes I wonder, how oblivious do people like him think the general population is? Who is he speaking for and who does he expect to believe this? It might be more a case of controlling the narrative on the international stage because that has never been the reality in Guyana. It is also quite interesting that these words emanate from a man who was charged with being the “mastermind” behind an attack against former Kaieteur News columnist, Freddie Kissoon. Kissoon at the time was a fierce critic of the PPP/C government. McCoy has also stood at the helm of criticisms and character assassinations of many media professionals. The fact that he was appointed to the role he holds demonstrates a blatant disrespect for the Guyanese public and the media fraternity given his previous history. He remains, however, a very small part of the larger machine that apparently aims to stifle media freedoms.
All media of course are not equal. The hand that threatens also feeds. In recent years, there has been a growing number of private media houses, primarily based online, that have contributed towards a shifting of the media landscape. Guyana historically has had some gaps in its media, such as a lack of relevant training, overworking and low financial rewards. The media environment is not perfect, and like many things in Guyana, it can be an incredibly insidious space that often looks more like public relations rather than journalism.
There are private media entities, (you know who they are), and the government-owned Guyana Chronicle, who despite their protestations against allegations of overt bias, quite clearly promote government propaganda. In such a small space like ours where everyone is connected, it is way too easy for these media houses to buy into their biases and have them solidified. It would be important for media professionals to be clear on which side of the field they stand on because the balance they claim to represent is extremely lopsided. Then again, for those that play the game of suppressing public accountability, there are rewards, personally and professionally.
Guyana’s media landscape is under threat. There is a discarding of traditional media practices and increased risks for journalists from State actors. The government and its well-oiled PR machine are great at waxing lyrical about the importance of the media and the respect they have for it. These words however, ring alarmingly shallow against the actions often taken against journalists and media houses that are seen as “embarrassing” the government.
