Local content needed

THE EDITOR: I would like to commend Errol Fabien’s efforts to launch a local television station. His entrepreneurial vision can only be matched by his comedic wit! After over forty years of independence, our local television entertainment has still remained quite underdeveloped. It is encouraging to see that local funding is bringing Mr Fabien’s project to fruition. Trinidad and Tobago has been starved for locally produced programmes that get regular media coverage. Since the influx of cable television during the early 90s, there has been a cloud of uncertainty over the viewership of locally produced television programmes. Our television sets are inundated with foreign images of lifestyles that are alien to our culture.

The negative portrayal of coloured people — who make up the majority of TT’s television viewership — is standard fare for North America media houses. Although this may be the reality for some in our society, we can also boast of many positive images which be the reality for some in our society. We can also boast of many positive images which should also be depicted. At the beginning of the 21st century, the television is still one of the most influential mediums of communication. In order to ensure that our cultural values and norms are maintained and handed down to our future generations, we must consider using this medium to its fullest. Here lies the challenge to Mr Fabien’s fledgling Gayelle station. Although it may be a precipitous journey, we will all benefit from its success.

BLAIR A WILLIAM
Port-of-Spain