Information and Technology Minister, Honorable Melford Nicholas, says he
welcomes the application of new technologies and the positive impact this has had
on the media landscape the world over.
He shared with delegates attending the 54 th General Assembly of the Caribbean
Broadcasting Union (CBU), that he was at the vanguard of the adoption of new
technologies in the Caribbean that made it easier for companies and entities to
communicate with each other, regionally and globally.
He noted that new technologies have made it possible for streaming platforms to
broadcast events of international interest, here in Antigua and Barbuda, worldwide.
He gave an example of the role the general manager of ABS – Erna-Mae
Brathwaite played when she used her cell phone to broadcast Prince Harry’s visit
to Antigua via Facebook. That act catapulted ABS as a major streaming entity
across the region.
“Technology has been an enabler and we have seen the emergence of other facets
of the media market. Some have been helpful and some have not been so helpful,”
he observed.
The minister, however, noted that the technologies also come with serious
downsides. For example, he referenced the coming into being of several online
platforms, that pretend that they are purveying news. He added that the operators
have not had the benefit of professional training yet seek to attract advertising
revenue. He nonetheless questioned their commitment to the ideals and standards
of the profession.
“I have seen a number of new media sprout up and they do not commit to search
for truth. Many take the opportunity to use their platforms to vilify persons and use
their platforms to advance their own political ideologies. We have to be mindful
that the technology has allowed this to happen,” Nicholas stated.
According to Minister Nicholas, the technology allowed these entities to operate,
and he is asking the delegates to consider these issues when they sit down for their
serious deliberations.
