Is Mr. Algernon Serpent Watts being callous with a crown jewel media in Antigua-Barbuda?
It is natural that as general elections approach, partisan temperatures will rise to “fever pitch”.
However, I am bemused by the idea that the Antigua Observer outfit, would choose to abandon its mantra, that all voices are welcomed over its microphones and to go so far as banning the Government’s chief spokesperson, from a dedicated weekly guest slot on the Observer AM.
More particularly, the decision of the Observer Board is baffling, especially, since, its business model is a profit-making, commercial enterprise. Why would a broadcast enterprise (in Antigua-Barbuda) committed to a viable profit-making operation, choose to discourage listenership by Labour Party supporters? At the most recent general elections, those voting labour, outnumbered votes for the UPP by more than 3 to 2. Rather than seeking to shrink its support base, the Observer Board should have a premium on preserving and expanding its listenership, because that is its advertisers’ primary draw to the media system.
Importantly, if Ambassador Hurst is careless with the truth, that creates more media and journalistic opportunities for reporters and producers, working with the Observer. Conversely, banning the Government’s Chief spokesperson from a dedicated guest slot (in which he answers questions arising from the weekly Cabinet briefing) only hardens the attitude of ABLP supporters; while discouraging listeners wishing to hear all sides of the story. Making it nigh impossible for journalists and producers (at Observer) to do their jobs.
The decision of the Cabinet, to embargo participation of ministers on any of the Observer platforms, is a case in point. It could be a matter of time, before such a Cabinet decision, includes all government entities. Furthermore, left unresolved, the ripple effect could begin to influence how advertisers spend their marketing budget.
One hopes that the Observer management will step back from this and focus on setting policies inspiring: quality programming; continuous expansion of listenership and revenue base; paying its employees and its bills; continually invest in more efficient systems and processes; expansion of its holdings strategically and make a profit. Guests to appear on news and current affairs programs should be determined by: producers, journalists and presenters, without interference from management.
Politically, “banning” Ambassador Hurst from a dedicated guest slot on Observer AM, is stranger than fiction. Certainly, what the UPP and its friends at Observer should want, are programmes with the widest cross-section of listeners. That way, its targeted political messages, can be heard by other than its “hardcore supporters”???
Is it the case that, the Government’s Chief Spokesperson spins on the issues very well? Could the UPP be so frustrated because its team of “spinners” is incapable of matching him? I agree with any opinion that (for reasons known to the UPP) the party removed its best spinner (young Taber) from front-line duties. So, unshackle Senator Tabor; bring him on the day after Max and caution him to “spin” as legally and loudly as he likes, without causing further dissension in the party. He spins very well and (like Max) Taber has the “gift of the gab” A rare talent.
Walk good and handle the Observer jewel with care. Some advertisers could lose patience and switch loyalties.
Arvel Grant, Political and Current Affairs Analyst
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