I have a serious concern about the nightly presentation of crime on TV6. Before the 7 p.m. news, viewers are repeatedly shown a video of criminals shooting all over the place. What purpose does this serve? It is not news. It is graphic crime imagery being used as a nightly visual introduction to the news.
This needs to stop.
Trinidad and Tobago already has a serious crime problem. We do not need our own media repeatedly putting images of gunmen shooting on television for everyone to see, especially at a time when potential investors, tourists and international businesses are watching and forming opinions about our country.
The media has a responsibility to report credible news, not create an atmosphere of fear and sensationalism. There is a major difference between responsibly reporting crime and repeatedly broadcasting dramatic footage that makes crime appear to be the defining characteristic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Look at Barbados. They understand that tourism is their lifeblood, particularly high-end tourism, and they are conscious of the image they project to the outside world. We should have the same level of responsibility.
Why would we deliberately put images of gunfire and criminals on television every night and then expect investors and tourists to feel confident about coming here?
TV6 should take this video off immediately. Report the crime when it is newsworthy, give the public the facts, and let the authorities deal with the criminals. But stop turning gun violence into a nightly television spectacle.
We are fighting hard to attract investment and tourism. The last thing we need is for our own media to become part of the country’s negative marketing campaign.
Report the news. Do not manufacture fear.
Gordon Laughlin
Westmoorings
