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Critique of the Guyana Chronicle

Apr 13, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
When respected academics and conscientious citizens make valid observations and offer sound advice to public entities, it is always necessary to pause and re-assess how the situation is being perceived, and what can be done to alter the trajectory for the better. The hyper-involved social media scene is really the most immediately democratic method the people have of communicating their concerns directly to powerful governing interests, and I honestly believe that despite the pitfalls of knee-jerk reactions, it is an important component of the modern democratic state.
The current GNNL board comprises dedicated and professional individuals who are serious about effecting meaningful improvements at the Chronicle. However, the reality for any organization is that mastheads, colors, and columnists can be shifted, revamped or replaced in a short amount of time, but significant, sustainable changes to the ethos typically require a tectonic shift that can only come about with time. For too long, reporters and editors subjected readers to crudely written, pseudo-intellectual articles and editorials that, in many cases, had been directed by particular political groups. Our board has clearly and repeatedly communicated that sycophancy, intellectual dishonesty, and bias will no longer be tolerated.
Despite the current board’s efforts, our message is often misinterpreted and misunderstood, and recently an image was altered, perhaps in an attempt to present a polite political narrative. The Board took appropriate steps to sanction these actions and to try to ensure they are not repeated. Our board discovered that a lack of consistent, comprehensive, updated  policy guidelines contributed to the feeling that true change is not occurring or even possible. Also, ad hoc departures from prevailing dogma were intended to serve as evidence that the state media had responsibly changed. Although the lengthy process of collating, organizing and developing sound guidelines and policy is underway, the board’s vision of a better, more transparent and cohesive strategic architecture that adopts the best journalistic practices will take time.
Meanwhile, the slow (and clearly rocky, see letter by hack journalist and Rodney commission profiteer/chronicler in today’s paper) dismantling of an oppressive arm of the state machinery continues. Training and professional development are ongoing as we pursue a culture that understands, respects, and embraces internationally accepted journalism ethics and rejects the vulgarity of a propagandist orientation,. We have a long way to go, and, as one observer pointed out, we are essentially trying to transform a 50 year old state albatross into a swan. No easy feat.
To be clear: under no circumstance will it ever be amenable for any employee to
alter the facts to suit a particular narrative or headline or political orientation. When journalists aim to deceive the populace that they serve, limitless oppression becomes possible at best, and encouraged at worst.  We are all too cognizant of the immediate past conduct of this media entity; the same one that applied half-truths, magical facts and a phalanx of anonymous poisonous pen pals who viciously shredded the integrity and character of their fellow citizens.
My belief is that the GNNL board should be engaged in providing policy and instituting and practicing good corporate governance, (this is where my effort is specifically concentrated) not vetting and approving letters and articles or manufacturing content to support specific political directorates. Formalized policy and governance guidelines will help prevent willful abuse of the media. No organization or government or individual should function above or without the rule of law, as the capriciousness of human nature can lead us to a slippery slope that we will all eventually slide down.
Scheherazade Ishoof Khan

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