Stop using social media influencers in place of Journalists – GPA to politicians

Following the two-day Government-sponsored and organised media conference, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) is calling on politicians to stop using social media influencers in place of journalists, saying that doing this is contributing to the degradation of journalism at the expediency of reach, likes and shares.

In observance of World Press Freedom Day, the Government hosted a National Conference and Symposium on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) under the global theme: ‘Journalism under surveillance’, and Guyana’s national sub-theme: ‘Partnerships in Communication for Development (C4D)’.
But in a statement on Thursday, the Press Association is asking for the next national World Press Freedom Conference to be jointly organised with the GPA, and the focus to be on journalism.

The GPA noted that ‘freedom of expression’ is a fundamental human right as enshrined in Guyana’s Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, it pointed out that much of the debates and disagreements during the conference appeared to stem from the decision of the organisers to conflate of journalism public relations practice and social media influence.
The Press Association said that, whether or not this was the intent, it was a grave error, as each category of communication has its own role.
According to the GPA, social media influencers, though they command some following, cannot and will not be regarded as journalists, and they should never contemplate seeing themselves as such.
It added, “If politicians across the divide claim to have any modicum of interest in improving the standard of journalism, then they ought to immediately cease utilising social media influencers in the place of journalists. To continue doing so is to contribute to the degradation of journalism at the altar of expediency of reach, likes, and shares.
“In this way, sections of the public are led to believe that such social media content is in keeping with globally accepted standards of journalism. Does this mean that anyone with a few followers, limited language competence, no regard for fact-checking, etc can be regarded by himself or herself and the public as a journalist because a politician uses him or her as an information conduit?”
Moreover, the Press Association further noted that journalism cannot be confused or mixed up with specialised content on specific topics or projects. As such, the GPA has urged that media houses and the Government consider discussing how information products on specific projects and issues can be broadcast or published with the appropriate disclaimer, so there is no confusion between paid content and journalism.
Additionally, the GPA reiterated its support for media and communication training, noting that this should be provided through the University of Guyana, which is an accredited tertiary institution.
In the missive on Thursday, the Press Association further stated that, based on utterances from a number of Government officials, including its panelists, the undertone appeared to be engaged in self-censorship under the guise of “responsibility” and “good”.
In this regard, the GPA commends the globally recognised Journalism Ethics, Principles and Codes of Conduct.
At the opening of the conference on Tuesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali stressed that his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is a firm believer in a free press, and also being accessible to the media.
World Press Freedom Day 2022 was observed under the theme “Journalism Under Digital Siege”. In her address, GPA President Nazima Raghubir had zeroed in on threats faced by the media in various parts of the world, such as spyware like Pegasus.
“World Press Freedom Day is being observed under the theme ‘Journalism Under Siege’, which highlights not only media conversions, but the threats facing the media as we navigate this move to online. These threats expose the media to destructive intrusions from ransomware and spyware, which poses severe risks (to) the existence of media houses.
“In our statement, we called on media houses to safeguard ourselves, and the Government to assure media houses and operatives that such tactics will not be used to threaten the work of the media,” Raghubir said.
She also called on the President to say whether the Government is in possession of any spyware.
In response, President Ali made it clear that a Government spying on its people has no place in a democratic society, and should be rooted out wherever it exists. Not only did he assure that the Government would never go this route, but he also made it clear that he is not afraid of criticism.
“This Government has no intention whatsoever, it has not even contemplated my mind, to move in any direction to have any spyware. I have not even imagined something like that. It will never happen, at least (not) under this Government,” the Head of State said.
He added, “I am open from leadership to criticism… constructive criticism. My favourite part in any newspaper is the cartoonist. We have to celebrate them because, in a single cartoon, they can send the most powerful message. And I love it, even when I’m the subject of it.”