In response to a Compass Editorial that inferred the new government television station named Cayman Islands Government Television (CIGTV) – I hope government didn’t pay big bucks for someone to come up with that – could be used for propaganda purposes, the Office of the Premier issued a statement denying this.

It would appear we are to be educated again by the premier at a cost of initially $227,345 plus a yearly salary outlay of $186,000 covering three positions.

“The coverage of the Legislative Assembly proceedings will prove to be invaluable, especially from an educational and information perspective. Audiences will not only be able to hear their MLAs, but see their demeanour,” the release said and, “CIGTV will give the Government the ability to state its position as it is, and not as interpreted by a reporter or commentator. Viewers will be able to judge for themselves without the influence of biased reporting or commentary.”

And:

“They [CIG departments] will be able to impart their information to the fullest without the opinion of reporters inserted. CIGTV will feature departments and the services they provide; it will educate the public in such matters as health and agriculture. CIGTV will also add another means of official emergency communication.”

The TV station will, however, not just be all about politics (thank Heaven for that), but will include, “informational, educational, cultural, sports and religious shows”.

For the whole story go to:

http://www.compasscayman.com/caycompass/2012/10/03/Government-TV-ready-for-LA-broadcasts/

Don’t you just love the words “educate”, “education”, and “educational”?

The Island’s biased reporting statement really irks me. Every news media outlet here states clearly what government and a government minister says. Yes, some reports do contain opinions and the one media house, CNS, which is a thorn in the side of Mr. Bush, publishes the blogs that support him and criticise CNS. That is hardly being biased.

Now we are expected to believe CIGTV is going to be unbiased. Will it give the opposition EQUAL time to air opposite “education”?

Will it air political party broadcasts in the upcoming elections or will it give an education lesson like the government did on the One Man, One Vote Referendum Issue? Now that was certainly a lesson on education. The most biased form of education ever to be witnessed here.

Of course CIGTV can be used as a propaganda machine. It being there completely under the control of government cries out for its use as such. Will it have an Independent Board of Directors to control and manage it? Will it have an Independent Director?

At the moment, the man spearheading the project is the premier’s own Press Secretary, Charles Glidden, whose experience in television was as a News Reader, Morning Show Host and Moderator on a call-in current affairs show.

On a few occasions I had to moderate the call-in show because the government minister slated to be on would not appear with Mr. Glidden because of prior biasness he has shown.

So, I ask the question again. Why the need for a government TV station?

Unless it is to give us another slice of government’s idea of education.