The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago would like to put on record that the duty of all journalists is to report all sides of a story not just selected viewpoints. While the Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith, is free to express his opinion on how journalists conduct their duties, …
Read More »“Make peace with the Divine!” Revisiting Gordon Pierre’s attack on me at the Intercol final
Alexcia Ali had not long put Pleasantville Secondary ahead in their Girls National Intercol final battle with Signal Hill Secondary at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva yesterday, when I was pushed in the back of the head by Gordon Pierre. Pierre is a Tranquillity Government Secondary school teacher and …
Read More »“Media freedom under attack in this country”: MATT condemns TTPS “obstruction” of TV6 journalists
“MATT also notes the apparent attempt made by a member of the public to use their perceived influence to prevent the story—which the crew was in the process of completing—from being aired as a part of the station’s newscast on that day. “[…] MATT has provided details of the incident …
Read More »Attorney, Dr Crowne, joins MATT’s Cybercrime Bill steering committee
“The Steering Committee appointed by MATT to address the Cybercrime Bill 2017 is satisfied that [Dr Emir] Crowne’s legal opinions and recommendations seek to correct the concerns raised by the association about the controversial legislation. “In this regard the Steering Committee is comfortable working with Crowne to ensure that the …
Read More »MATT offers LGBTQI “sensitivity” training for journalists, declines to “point fingers”
“Rather than point fingers at media houses or individuals, MATT has taken the decision to focus on increasing sensitivity and awareness in coverage of LGBT issues in the media.” The following media statement on LGBTQI sensitivity training for journalists was issued by the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT): …
Read More »Francesca, Rampersad and Lyndersay appointed to MATT Cybercrime Bill steering committee
The following media statement by the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) on the proposed Cybercrime Bill was issued on Saturday 24 March, 2018: Today the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago appointed a steering committee to address deep concerns regarding upcoming Cybercrime legislation which has the potential to …
Read More »MATT: Boycott A&V press conference! Company must take responsibility for media assault
“The heavily worded statement by A&V Oil and Gas Limited also extended an invitation to the media to take a tour of their facilities and observe their operations. Media personnel are to be transported on buses the company will provide. “We call on all journalists and their assignment editors to …
Read More »Crowne: The problem with the Cybercrime Bill and why journalists are right to be afraid
“The ‘formal’ effect of the provision would seemingly not criminalise investigative journalism, whereas the ‘substantive’ and practical effect would in fact stifle investigative journalism and journalistic independence as a whole. Democratic discourse could be severely trammelled.” Senior lecturer (Mona) and barrister Dr Emir Crowne, BA, LLB, LLM, LLM, PhD, LEC, …
Read More »MATT concerned by Faris’ “worrisome” Cybercrime Bill; potential to criminalise journalists
“MATT remains deeply troubled that the Cybercrime Bill has retained its potential to criminalise professional journalists working in the public interest. “While MATT follows the argument that the redrafted Clause 8 of the Cybercrime Bill introduces layers of proof—intentionally, without lawful excuse, justification—to be satisfied by a complainant in order …
Read More »MATT empathises with retrenched CCN workers; urges media houses to innovate
“The impact of social media on the bottom line was to be expected; negative impact on the traditional advertising model has been observed globally over several years. “What has been equally apparent is the painfully slow and piecemeal approach taken by management at national media houses to invest in new …
Read More »MATT: Carmona wrong to use Republic Day message to deflect valid questions
“President [Anthony] Carmona appears out of touch with the urgent demands for accountability in 21st century Caribbean reporting and journalism.” The following is a release from the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) in response to President Anthony Carmona’s Republic Day message: His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona SC is wrong to use his …
Read More »Media Association hopes Crime Watch survives; denies Francesca is compromised
The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) has expressed its desire that Crime Watch survives, after being axed by CNC3 yesterday, and urged the show, which is hosted and produced by Ian Alleyne, to address its “frequent breaches of journalistic conventions.” Crime Watch was pulled off air after Alleyne …
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