Vexed Bermoothes

I am not entirely opposed to the creation of a new daily newspaper in Bermuda. Diversity and competition are healthy, and Bermuda has sustained a great variety of newspapers over the years (including the Brown’s own prior effort, The Bermuda Times).

There may be an economic shakeout as Bermuda will now have 2 dailies, a weekly, a bi-weekly, and an active brood of magazines. That’s a lot for a small community like ours, which also enjoys robust radio and TV coverage.

However, I am deeply suspicious that the new paper is designed as a political tool rather than an independent news source. The signs are not good: the paper was first announced at a political rally, is headed by a PLP Senator, and is apparently owned by close political allies of the Premier. Moreover, its formation coincides with the PLP’s financial punishment of the Royal Gazette, and their fixation with directly controlling media channels (such as the Government’s much-ignored TV station).

A reader points out that, if the reports that the paper has startup funding of $2.5 million are true, that’s remarkable for a local small business.  But given the hardpressed economics of the media sector, it also makes you wonder if this is a business investment or an idealogical one.

If the newspaper is a “campaign tool” it may fall prey to the political penchant for rewriting history, distorting current facts and achievements, and dividing the community.  That’s not news, it’s propaganda.  Like we really need more of that in this little town.

The new paper is unlikely to be economically viable on its own if it becomes a strict mouthpiece for the PLP, or indeed any political faction. Readers will not buy, and businesses will not advertise. It must establish and then guard its editorial independence rigorously, and not be tempted to pander to its insider patrons.

I have little truck for those who complain that the Royal Gazette is pro-UBP.  I understand the imbalances that occurred in Bermuda history, as well as the damage and resentment that caused.  But in my lifetime, I think the Royal Gazette has sought balance – and know very well the tough times the paper gave and gives the UBP.  If anything, I wish they were more consistently aggressive.  The media should ask tough questions;  it keeps power honest. It is not the media’s fault if the answers to those questions are inadequate or embarrassing or rejected by the public.

As part of that balance of power and honesty, I also support a Press Council self-run by the media (not by Government) to set codes of conduct for its members.  To date, the Royal Gazette is the only entity in Bermuda to formulate such a code.

Moreover, Government must not use its economic power to incubate or sustain the paper – that would defy most international treaties, codes of conduct, and common sense for free speech and press freedom. Government has pulled its subscriptions and advertising dollars from the Royal Gazette, which it views as a thorn in its side, under the thin pretense that newspaper advertising is no longer an effective vehicle. It will be unabashed cronyism and a smirch on Bermuda if Government media dollars are re-routed wholesale to the new paper. There must be transparency as well as equity based on audited distribution numbers of the publications.