NATIONAL JOURNALISM WEEK OFFICIALLY BEGINS

November 21, 2016: National Journalism Week, which is being celebrated under the theme “Media Ethics and Modern Media,” has officially started with the traditional church service, which was held at Swallowfield Chapel on Sunday, November 20.

Delivering the message at yesterday’s church service, Pastor of the Swallowfield Chapel, Dr. David Henry charged journalists to speak truth to power.

“In a world where the powerful will seek to influence, what of the role of the press?” he asked.

“You must have clarity, you will need discernment and courage to speak to power, to speak for the weak, the disadvantaged and poor,” he said.

“Journalists must be true to integrity. They must give a voice to the weak in pursuit of justice and truth,” he added.

National Journalism Week activities continue today with an Issues Forum and Panel Discussion, which is free and open to members of the public is entitled “Grief Porn’: Journalism ethics in the media coverage of mourning”. The forum will take place at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, starting at 6pm. The US Embassy is partnering with the PAJ for this event.
The main speaker for the forum will be former veteran editor Kevin Z. Smith, deputy director of the Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism. Smith is a former national president of the Society of Professional Journalists in the USA, and has been chairman of the group’s Ethics Committee since 2010.

The forum will also feature local media professionals such as CVM TV’s Managing Editor Irvin Forbes and Senior Gleaner Reporter Erica Virtue.

The annual Veterans’ Luncheon hosted by J. Wray & Nephew takes place on Wednesday, when former Head of JIS TV Doreen Brown, Publisher of the Western Mirror Lloyd B. Smith and News Manager at News talk 93 FM Errol Lee will be honoured.

The week culminates with the glittering National Journalism Awards Show and After-Party at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston on Saturday, November 26, starting at 7 pm.

Commentary

In addition excerpts of the Pastor’s sermon of Dr. Henry of the Swallowfield Chapel, November 20, 2016 … he looked at Nehmiah as protrayed in the bible and stated that as a powerful king Nehemiah was compassionate and very caring and did not use his enormous power to enslave his people nor exploit women. Nehmiah was frugal and did not live lavishly, nor did he impose exorbitant taxes on the masses. He did not amass wealth as many leaders do.

Charge to Journalists

He appealed to Journalists to stand up against injustice and be the voice for the voiceless. Give justice to the oppressed.

Trump

Turning to President-elect Donald Trump, Reverend Dr. Henry condemned Trump for his lack of respect for women.

LITURGICAL DANCE

There was “Flagging and a colourful liturgical dance” with ladies dressed in red. These two performances helped to enhance the worship experience.

Journalism Week, with theme “Media Ethics & Modern media” will be celebrated from the 20-26th November 2016.