Thanking the person with whom you have fallen in love, who played an important role in your success, whether directly or indirectly shows gratitude. However at least one popular television station in Jamaica thought otherwise, when on occasion of the 57th Annual Grammy Awards this year, comments made by popular RnB singer, Sam Smith in expression of thanks to his ex-boyfriend where censored. “Thank you so much for breaking my heart” Smith gloated, because you got me four Grammys!”
As a traditional Christian nation, many Jamaicans perceive homosexuality as a sin, yet seemingly embrace other sins such as adultery, through the songs given airplay and the dynamics of certain aspects of popular culture. The decision to ‘bleep’ Smith’s comments therefore raises questions about the credibility of our local media. Whatever happened to their responsibility to disseminate information in an objective and non-prejudicial manner? Are some of the core responsibilities of media being ignored?
The media are defined as communication channels through which news, entertainment, education and other forms of information are shared or disseminated. It includes broadcasting and narrowcasting media such as newspapers, magazines, radio and television; described by 18th century political theorist Edmund Burke, as the fourth pillar of a democracy, following the clergy, the nobility and the commoners, each with distinct social responsibilities.
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