Bryant Trew Resigns From Public Editor Role
Ayo Johnson announced that Bryant Trew — Think Media’s first Public Editor — has resigned from the position citing “personal reasons”.
In last week’s announcement that he had accepted the one-year appointment, Mr. Trew had said: “Bermuda is at a crossroad socially, politically and economically. As such, our future will best be served when the public is informed by thorough and balanced news reporting.
“Ayo has proposed a model that prioritizes journalism ethics, policies and values, through the application of Codes of Practice and Conduct.
“Additionally, the Statement of Ethical Principles that Think Media has subscribed to holds great potential for readers. Given Ayo’s ambitious vision, along with his diverse political reporting career in Bermuda, I am happy to support his efforts by accepting the role of Independent Public Editor.”
In a statement issued today, Mr.Johnson said: “We are grateful to Bryant for taking on this challenge and regret that it ended so quickly.
“His appointment reflected a great deal of confidence in his abilities and faith that he would be able to handle our journalistic products with utmost integrity.
“We are hopeful that he will continue to cast his critical eye on our work and publish his views through his Bermuda Sun columns.”
The Public Editor’s role is that of an ombudsman – fielding and investigating complaints about Think Media’s journalistic products and reporting findings to the public. The Public Editor is also free to launch investigations on his own accord.
The Public Editor does not preview or discuss articles with reporters/editors prior to publication, and is not ordinarily advised of articles under development or the schedule of publication.
Mr. Johnson said that an announcement of his replacement will be made in the very near future.
GET GOING ….
NO SURPRISE HERE, not sure as to why Mr. Johnson selected Mr. Trew to be ‘Think Media’s Editor’ in the first place. It was far from being a good choice. I just could not understand such a choice, when we have several other persons with extremely more remarkable qualification in journalism than Mr. Trew. But for sure it tells us Mr. Trew would have great difficulty in exposing his beloved OBAubp, this was just too difficult for him.
One only needs to read the opinion pieces written by Mr. Trew to quickly draw the conclusion he lacks any credibility more so sincerity. Mr. Trew is known for publishing opinion pieces that fail to hold up to the principal of good Journalism and Media standards or Ethics. His weekly writing are similar to that of those weekly shabby, sensationalist and rubbishy tabloid articles, and lack any credibility of true journalist. Weekly his opinion pieces are full of bias. A real effective Opinion piece takes into consideration —truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability—as these apply to the acquisition of newsworthy information and its subsequent dissemination to the public. Mr. Trew has failed to accomplish anything that reflects truth ethical standards of journalism.
It is clear that his writings are driven by his disinclination and animosity towards the PLP, thus this becomes his motivation for writing. I think most recognize that now, we got it, therefore we also overlook it as well as nothing more than a JOKE. We got that his overall objective is to attack the PLP, and support the OBAubp regardless of right or wrong. It is no way he could remain Editor of Think Media and remain unbiased. He would not be able to control his emotional bias to prevent protection of his beloved OBAubp. I hope he is not one of those selected to investigate the OBAubp, if so the JOKE just got more laughable.
Much love Trew as I am likely to be the subject of his next tabloid articles….as he lovesmesomuchthathementionsmynameinalmosteveryarticle.
The highest praise for Bryant’s integrity, honesty and dedication to truth is THIS smear job of a post from “Bettty”!
Are you going to switch accounts to praise this post now, “Bettty”?
This story simply confirms (again) that Bryant Trew has professional ethics and cannot be bought.
I think the comment by @WATCHING puts it best.
watching says:
May 15, 2014 at 3:24 pm
“this is a clear move by Trew and his OBA crew to attempt to nullify the credibility of Johnson and therefore erode support for his website and his journalistic endeavours. I expect Trew’s column tomorrow will vilify and call into question much about Johnson.”
“However Thad Hollis has already spoken what most believe, that there is validity in the report hence the internal investigation. I never understood what happened to Trew.”
Well said WATCHING.
Further, is it also a political strategy by the OBAubp to remove the Premier, but in a particular way and style? Is it also an attempt to make folks believe that Mr. Johnson is the one that lacks creditability and not Trew? I believe a political game is taking place to achieve the OBAubp overall move on the chess board, without too many of them falling on their swords. Notice the silence from some of their key players.
Betty , if you were so enamored with ‘Watching’s’ response of 3.24pm why didn’t you post your lovingly supportive responsive of it UNDER that post ?
Well all know why .You’re a post hog .Will you and all your alter ego sock puppet friends show some internet decorum for once ?
You’re all blowing a gasket now and it’s as plain as the nose on our faces. What would you be saying if Bryant had stayed on and supported criticism of the OBA ? You would all have loved that.
You’re all full of conspiracy theories and attacks against this man and he hasn’t said a damn thing yet.
I’m just surprised that in all your rage and anger you haven’t yet called him an uncle tom or a house *******
You’re that angry . REALLY !
“Mr. Trew is known for publishing opinion pieces that fail to hold up to the principal of good Journalism and Media standards or Ethics.”
Please explain in detail EXACTLY when and where Mr. Trew’s opinion pieces have failed to adhere to the standards you’ve referenced.
Otherwise your efforts to yet again make sweeping and unsubstantiated statements are the pinnacle of hypocrisy.
While you’re at it Betty and speaking about credibility, you offered “to list whom is on the UBPoba Friends and family contracts by this government”
Can you finally please do so in detail, including the exact amounts paid, frequency, length of contract and complete counter party names?
Please also provide at least five examples of sustainable, workable and realistic PLP suggestions to improve our economy for 2014.
It is clear that the O B A CHEERLEADERS are rushing to hold Mr.Trew up, rather than reflect on the real intention of his actions. I have read some of his opinion pieces and also at times found myself questioning the quality and ethics of his writings. On this one Betty is correct. But carry on defending Trew, but it does not change the facts.
Hi Betty.
So no answers then Betty? These aren’t difficult questions but I guess it’s easier to stir the pot rather than flavour the dialogue with meaningful or FACTUAL commentary. So much for your credibility. All talk and no substance, must by a PLP party insider.
PLP – betraying Bermudians since 1998, one unemployed, endure ducted and debt ridden voter at a time.
Pathetic.
That didn’t last long. One article full of ‘anonymous sources’ and he’s out of there.
Smart man.
I would say a VERY SMART man……..
Not a good begining when publishing a potentially explosive article and attributing your facts to “anonymous sources”………
Surely more is required and expected when making such accusations.
Exactly. Once he realized what it is, he left.
I smell smoke here!
This was a comment from Mr. J Starling on 7th May 2014
“I’m looking forward to the launch story, and I find the innovative structure (its own ombudsman, an independent public editor) to be very interesting.”
What do you think of your comment today… 1 week later. WOW……
I hope this has nothing to do with the “launch story”
I still think the structure of an independent public editor/ombudsman is innovative and very interesting.
Whether Mr Trew was the best person for that job is a totally different issue.
the guy is a joke.
Wait… YOU – hiding like a coward behind a fake name, spreading lies and misinformation wherever you go, regularly making baseless, false personal attacks against anyone who doesn’t toe your party’s line – are calling Bryant Trew a joke?
You have GOT to be kidding.
Do better, man. Seriously. Our country needs and deserves better than this.
oh go play your ukulele.
You say that like it’s a bad thing.
(And, nice comeback… it’s amazing JUST how scared you are of the truth. Well… not amazing… sad, really. It’s sad how scared you are of the truth.)
this is a clear move by Trew and his OBA crew to attempt to nullify the credibility of Johnson and therefore erode support for his website and his journalistic endeavours. I expect Trew’s column tomorrow will vilify and call into question much about Johnson.
However Thad Hollis has already spoken what most believe, that there is validity in the report hence the internal investigation.
I never understood what happened to Trew.
No. It’s not. Not at all.
And I can explain “what happened to him”.
Nothing. He has high standards, integrity and honesty.
You and people like you have moved your party’s narrative so far away from these qualities that Bryant now seems like he’s on the other side.
He’s not. He just values things you don’t.
Like courage. And truth. And facts. And reality. And backing up claims. And showing evidence of accusations. And of not relying on spurious rumours.
Nobody needs to do very much to nullify the credibility… He manages to do that all by himself.
If “The Public Editor does not preview or discuss articles with reporters/editors prior to publication, and is not ordinarily advised of articles under development or the schedule of publication” what’s the point of having an editor?
Sounds like window dressing in the hope of lending legitimacy to the site.
As Mr. Trew tendered his resigned after only a week on the job, one has to wonder whether this project has long term credibility problems given this recent turn of events.
Either way, it doesn’t look overly positive for Mr. Johnson and his much championed ethical standards if the founding public editor throws in the towel following publication of just one story.
Well said @ Watching and spot on with your evaluation. It is just as you outlined
Well first of all people, let’s put this into perspective. Mr Trew’s “position” with Think Media is not a full time job. It’s not a 5 day a week, 9 to 5 thing.
I’m sure he was doing it on a case by case basis. He’s getting a lot of flack on here for no reason, especially when we don’t know much else beyond what has been said by Ayo Johnson. He’s not the OBA’s spokesperson, in fact he’s criticised the OBA in the past.
I too was surprise that Mr. Trew was picked as a public editor for Ayo Johnson’s think Bermuda media effort to bring forward real investigative reporting in Bermuda.
If he would have stayed he certainly would have been in odds with his OBA allegiance. Not that I am going to criticize him for that. I myself have used journalistic techniques in writing columns and political opinions; not that I am a train journalist; but like Mr. Trew I have no hesitation in taking sides.
At least Mr. Williams are willing to admit your bias, that is the big difference here. Mr. Trew is not willing to do the same.
Betty, honey, you are so blinkered.
Betty, you do realise Mr. Trew writes opinion pieces don’t you?
So if you disagree with his opinions present your reasons for a differing point of view and please note just because you use the word FACT in capital letters doesn’t automatically mean your remarks are factual, substantiated or rational for that matter.
So either step up or sit down and be silent. Noise pollution and repetition does not an argument make.
You think Ayo Johnson isn’t biased, Betty?
…and unlike Mr. Trew, you’ve shown that you have no hesitation spreading vile, racist lies about anyone that dares disagree with you.
Nope ..wrong again . But I hear you croak vile racist lyrics while picking and plucking your banjo !
nobody cares what AJ writes!
Trew colors , Trew colors are shining thru …. So don’t be afraid to let them know … Your Trew colors let them show !
And now, the coup de grace!
The highest praise indeed!
“Coffee”, who has proved, time and again, to be consistently wrong and, of course, completely misinformed about pretty much everything he posts on, posting some nebulous denunciation.
Best way to know that Bryant is in the right on this!
Umm excuse me ! More nonsense from the OBA lapdog . Back in your kennel boy .
Hilarious that Betty shows up and starts bleating. It is high praise indeed for Bryant. He’s a good man. I feel sorry for him. He is facing alot of abuse from “real” Bermudians. Ugly stuff.
I don’t feel sorry for him at all. He still has his integrity… the screeching, shrieking harpies circling overhead can’t say the same.
Screeching and shrieking , God , no wonder nobody pays to see you .