– says GPA, as Guyana battles COVID, awaits elections result
“THIS is not the time to be sleeping on the job,” the Guyana Press Association GPA) said as it observes World Press Freedom Day 2020.
World Press Freedom Day is being observed under the theme, “Journalism without Fear or Favour,” which the GPA says captures the essence of the challenge the media face in the current period.
The media today operate in an increasingly complex media landscape.
“This is a phenomenon that predates the coronavirus challenge, but is coming increasingly into view as we combine the impact of the pandemic with inconclusive election results, and everything associated with their combined effect.
“All of the features of this new media landscape now conspire to challenge the way we do our work, and the manner in which we ought to remain committed to its core values of balance, independence and fairness,” the local media watchdog said in a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day 2020.
For the GPA and the community of media workers it represents, this means increased vigilance and deeper commitment to the profession.
“It is calling on our assets as independent professionals prepared to look critically at our changing circumstances.
“As our media community knows, this has been no easy journey. We have found among our ranks, some of the most devoted, conscientious colleagues you will come across anywhere. Journalists, photographers, videographers, editors sometimes defy all odds and obstacles to bring potentially life-changing news and information to our audiences,” the GPA said.
This has not been a time for sleeping on the job, the local press association said, as it praised the work of media workers during these challenging times.
“Video and newsroom editors who dedicate their time and energy to packages [sic] the news, radio and television engineers and technicians and print operators, without whose expertise we would have no news product and social media managers, whose role continues to be to redefine delivery of content in accordance with the changing news cycle.
“Our unique situation of an active, elongated electoral process and the challenge of Covid-19 has without a doubt impacted the news-gathering process as well as the treatment of news and information. But it has also provided unprecedented levels and varieties of risk. Yet, we soldier on as part of our commitment to deliver truth to our audiences – the people our profession was designed to serve,” the press association said.
As such, this edition of World Press Freedom Day, the GPA said marks a watershed in the news business of Guyana as it is difficult, but also laden with professional opportunities.
The GPA also noted that disinformation has to be countered with facts and data; safety be extended to include protection from a deadly pandemic, and bias and the compromising of standards must be met by a commitment to truth and honesty.
“At this time, we need to reflect on where we are and to consider our options for the future. Like our business, our country stands at a juncture in its history, the management of which has implications for generations to come.
“Our tasks as journalists and as a media community have everything to do with such a great assignment as a people and as a nation,” the release concluded.
