The role to be played by journalists

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I am writing this letter with the hopes that someone cares enough to listen, respond and take action.

As journalists in this country, you have a role to play in seeing that the public is informed about the latest. You have been doing a great job with that. However, my main concern is that of crime. We are living in an age where crime is the order of the day and a murder is the norm on any given day.

Most fingers are pointing towards the politicians who people say are not doing anything about it. While I agree with capital punishment, this alone is not the answer.

The answer lies within ourselves; the community. I have not had a close relative fall victim to a murder, and I am not waiting for that to happen.

As a nation, we are all talk, but no action. As journalists, you have the power to make it happen.

This is where public journalism should be displayed. Many issues are swept under the rug because after an issue gets cold, there is no follow-up stories.

The NIB missing funds, the PHA money mismanagement, the politicians who are in arrears in taxes.

These are examples of news stories that are “hot” one day and get “cold” the next.

Crime is an issue that is hot now, and will never get cold.

My plea is that a public voice is needed to take back our country, and I believe it starts with public or community journalism.

The politicians do not have the answers, because if they did, I most believe something would have been done by now. I am concerned, angry and hopeful that something will be done.

A concerned voice in the wilderness.

CONCERNED

Nassau,

December 4, 2014.

Comments

mossdehav says...

No close family lost to murder. You are indeed blessed.

Posted 18 December 2014, 7:08 p.m. Suggest removal

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