IPDC supports activities to improve media services in the interest of the public in Caribbean SIDS

The Caribbean sub-region has experienced an increase in scare tactics and unreliable news with unrecognized sources, along with the rise in the use of social media and citizen journalism. In addition, the COVID 19 pandemic saw an explosion of virtual meetings, and virtual communication through various platforms, including social media such as WhatsApp and Instagram.

With the rise of social media as trending sources of information and news, traditional media is struggling to keep readers interested.

Caribbean Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to emergencies, such as climatic natural disasters, and must have access to reliable and trusted media sources to be able to act in an informed manner to prevent national disasters.

Many traditional broadcasters and newspapers have therefore integrated parts of the new media landscape as appendages to their media platforms. To remain an important voice for the public, the media must develop a comprehensive strategy for the new digital media format and make it a credible arm of their solid journalistic work.

With the financial support of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) will develop a Social Media Policy Framework for the region that will enhance media services in the interest of the Caribbean public. As part of the project ‘Social Media Policy Framework: Enhancing media services in the public’s interest in the Caribbean’, starting on April 1, 2021, Caribbean broadcasters, media organizations, journalists, editors and bloggers will meet to discuss a set of guidelines that seek to provide a framework from the policy maker level down to the organizations. An in-depth analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on the media in Caribbean SIDS, including recommendations and identification of solutions, will be available to inform this discussion.