Column: Fahy On Govt, Media, Censorship, More
[Opinion column written by Michael Fahy]
During the Budget Debate on May 12, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Hon Alexa Lightbourne said the ministry planned to maintain content standards with the establishment of a “content review panel” under the broadcasting and telecommunications board.
She advised that it would hold responsibility for setting content guidelines, reviewing programming and addressing public concerns. She continued, “This panel will ensure content across all platforms remains accurate, appropriate, and aligns with Bermuda social and cultural values.”
That is terrifying. In today’s digital age, where information flows freely and rapidly, the concept of what sounds like government oversight of the media raises alarm bells reminiscent of Big Brother.
The implications of such oversight are profound, posing significant threats to our democracy, freedom of speech, and the very fabric of society. When government tries to or does exert control over media narratives, they not only compromise the independence of the press but also encroach upon the fundamental rights of all of us and ultimately undermine the principles of a free society.
At the heart of the issue lies the fundamental role of the media as a watchdog of democracy. A free press is essential for holding those in power accountable, informing the public of critical issues, and facilitating open discourse.
This is where the parallels to authoritarian regimes become stark. Just as undemocratic governments monitor and control information to maintain their grip on power, the Minister’s statement certainly suggests the PLP government intends to seek to control media narratives to shape public perception, thereby suppressing opposition.
Globally, the justification for government oversight often hinges on the need for national security, public safety, or the prevention of misinformation. In this instance such control in Bermuda is couched less overtly. A statement buried in a budget presentation sounds harmless at first but can easily become a pretext for authoritarian control.
For instance, the rise of fake news has led many governments to advocate for stricter regulations on media outlets, ostensibly to protect the public from false information. However, this can quickly devolve into a slippery slope where legitimate journalism is suppressed under the guise of combating alleged misinformation. In this context, a government-appointed committee could become the arbiter of truth, deciding what is acceptable for public consumption and what is not.
Consider the implications of such control. When the Government can potentially dictate the narratives that reach the public, they create an environment where dissent is stifled and alternative viewpoints are marginalized.
Such control not only limits the diversity of perspectives but also cultivates an atmosphere of fear and conformity. Voters may become hesitant to express their views or question authority, knowing that the government is watching and may retaliate against them. In this way, government oversight of the media operates as a modern-day Big Brother, instilling a sense of paranoia and compliance among Bermuda’s voter base.
Taking things a step further, the digital landscape complicates the relationship between government and media. Social media platforms have become the primary sources of information for many, including local podcasts, and they are also susceptible to government influence under the proposals.
The Government, through its proposed committee, could exert pressure on these platforms to censor content, ban accounts, or manipulate algorithms in ways that align with the Government’s interests. This could create a chilling effect on free expression, as individuals may self-censor out of fear of reprisal. The result is potentially a distorted information ecosystem where only committee sanctioned narratives prevail, echoing the oppressive control of the Big Brother regime.
The consequences of government oversight extend beyond the media itself; they permeate the very fabric of society. A well-informed voter is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. When media is subjected to government “oversight”, the public’s ability to make informed decisions is severely compromised, which could lead to apathy, disengagement, and ultimately, the erosion of democratic values.
Voters, already disillusioned with the political process, as demonstrated by the low turnout in the last election, may believe that their voices do not matter in a landscape dominated by Government approved narratives. This disengagement can pave the way for authoritarianism, as the public becomes less equipped to challenge Government power.
We must remain vigilant against encroachments on our rights. A robust and independent media is essential for a healthy democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to protect it from the clutches of governmental control. We must advocate for transparency, accountability, and the protection of free expression in all its forms. In doing so, we can ensure that the spectre of Big Brother does not become our reality, and that the values of democracy endure in an age of increased surveillance and control.
- Shadow Home Affairs Minister, Michael Fahy
Go away Fahy. You are only reigniting old beliefs to confuse and divide people.
The time for your rhetoric has passed and is outdated. Unfortunately for you you showed your hand once and was ousted. This type of hyping will find you back in the private sector again.
Give it a rest
A government controlling the media, that exists in China and Russia. Lion Paw are you blind! You attacked the messenger as your first priority. Look in the mirror already before it is too late .
Do you actually read the news of the many changes being implemented? For too long several media outlets have dominated people perception of the truth and it must stop.
There should be no sides in reporting however it has not been fairly proportioned. Innuendo and bias have been steadfast principles by which some outlets have reigned. It is a new day.
Over 50 males have been murdered the rise of women have also increased added with the high cost of living the people are overwhelmed while you want to pick up where you left off.
Be sensible and stop your foolishness and work for the people not the establishments stronghold. The votes have been cast your party will do well working with the present Government to help make Bermuda a safer and friendly place.
Censorship part 2
There is another form of censorship which affect out daily lives where information is being with held or prevented from disclosure by variouse corporation or institurtions even people from from people in a multitude of matters and topics.
Media news headlines in vauiouse forms are usually brief but not intended as censorship .
let me leave you to figure those matter out . if you think you are being cheated or if they adversely affect you.
EG :
You could get fired or loose out on a promotion with higher pay and not told the the real reason why !
Sorry to be so vague !
CENSORSHIP
In a nut shell censorship is all about control.
Bermuda is one of many counrties and institutions where ensorship in it many forms rears its ugly head as a form of exclusion.
The fact remains that there are vairiouse form of censorship exists throught out all walks of life.
Religion , by hiding the real truth of their being a higher power of idols controling the life of others .
Social gaterings, where the orator will spin the tale , tell half the strory that he or she is the chosen one.
Exclusion, of a portion or the complete message being promogated with in a society.
Preventions of oppinions being considered in the wrong light or deamed as unsuitable to the aims ang goals of others,in other words a ” con job “.
Much damage , is done to our young people where censoship decided the course of un told action in their education system .
Being vagugue, where opinions take the form of inndueno forming manunipulation of half truths.
You know, they are beating around the bush .
Many Governments, have lots to hide in party polatics by practicing the art of censorship where they see the loss of control of the people. However Governments the do maintain the army an the police as back up.
Where it all goes wrong where people will retaliate by making up ther own stories in order to root out the truth .