The online news media, or more specifically Virgin Islands Platinum News, recently published an article titled “Minister Vanterpool Launches Scathing Attack on the Media,” where he criticised the media for not presenting the “plastic bag” issue in a positive light. I read the article originally published by the online medium, and its headline was “Shoppers Will Foot Bill for Using Plastic Bags.” It was this headline that the minister took issue with, and he stated during a public speech that the topic was about the environment and not about a meagre cost for plastic bags. The news medium in question was apparently outraged at the audacity of the minister telling them what do, although this writer saw nothing “scathing” about it.
The press often takes delight in politician bashing, and for good reason: It grabs the attention of readers and often elicits vigorous reader comments. Now, I am all for freedom of the press and understand well that news media act as a watchdog on politicians and their often nefarious tactics, but at the same time the media should adhere to certain standards and not spin stories to garner a larger readership. In other words, there should be responsibility on both sides.
In the above case the headline for the story could have been more appropriate and positive, highlighting the environment rather than the cost of plastic bags. In other words, in this case the minister was probably right. The news medium sensationalised the story.
Beneath the article a comment was made by a user identified as “Reporter,” stating, “HOW DARE PUBLIC SERVANT VANTERPOOL think he can tell the media what to write and how to write it. Look at a press conference, NO ONE IS WEARING A YELLOW ONEMART SHIRT. WE DON’T WORK FOR YOU.”
The whole story concerning the environment turned into a slanging match on the comment board, and two of my innocuous comments were rejected — apparently because they didn’t support the news site’s viewpoint. Similarly, my comment on the site’s Facebook page was quickly deleted. So much for freedom of speech!
{fcomment}