Clear benefits with the return of TTT

The name TTT summons a sense of national pride that allows us to know that we exist in the world of television. I must admit that the announcement by Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie was a pleasant surprise.

The benefits are clear to all who create, support, market and appreciate local content in the area of film-making, creative artistic expression, various forms of storytelling, steel pan and other musical instruments etc which all need to be showcased.

The Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) had clearly lost its way from all reports. It was extremely saddening and distasteful to watch the former United National Congress administration heavily politicising CNMG as a State-owned entity while in office.

Some miss the point and think we are going back in time. These people clearly did not pay attention to the government consultations on the relevance of Stateowned media in our society.

People at those consultations were screaming for not just more cultural content from TT but higher-quality local programmes and they agreed that State-owned media are critical to promoting the culture of our country.

While other local television stations have been trying for some time with commendable efforts to create and promote local content, this critical role has to be the ultimate full-time responsibility of a State-owned media entity and not a private enterprise. The reality is that local programmes reflecting the rich history and culture of our people in our plural society are yet to attract substantial private sector advertising dollars.

This TTT rebirth is in keeping with the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) campaign promise to heavily pursue areas of diversification of the economy. The PNM manifesto is coming to life with this initiative as it promised to “leverage the creative sector to enhance the economy.” A wider avenue to showcase our culture expressed in local content translates into more jobs and business opportunities for the sector. I therefore look forward to viewing more programmes about the history, culture, achievements and many successes of our people.

RONALD HUGGINS St Joseph