We publish today a letter on TV news in The Bahamas. The writer compares the two dominant brands: NB12 and ZNS. NB12 is a partnership between The Nassau Guardian and Cable Bahamas. It started in January 2010 and has been a smashing success.
ZNS is a state broadcaster. Its true leader is the minister responsible for broadcasting. The government appoints its board. Because of its structure, ZNS cannot always be relied on to just present the news.
NB12 has dared to tell stories the state broadcaster shies away from. It has also dared to present the news in an interesting and exciting format, which is loved by many. In less than two years, we feel confident stating that NB12 has become the most liked TV news program in the country.
Young Bahamians, employed by The Nassau Guardian, are its news reporters and editors. As a company, we believe in Bahamians. So, their success does not surprise us.
The writer, who gave his impressions of NB12 and ZNS, likes us. But he says we have not surpassed ZNS yet because we do not present the news on weekends and holidays. This is a fair criticism, but he should stay tuned. The objective of all of the products of The Nassau Guardian is simply and unquestionably to be the best. We also have as an objective being smart - something that is needed in a media environment that at times is too tabloid.
As we travel across the country we often receive compliments from Bahamians from all age groups declaring that they think NB12 can be relied on to tell the whole story.
This lack of confidence in the state broadcaster results from years of abuse by the major political parties. They, especially the old PLP under Sir Lynden Pindling, used ZNS as a propaganda tool.
The same relationship of trust and confidence between the public and The Nassau Guardian now exists between the public and NB12. Hence, the desire by so many to wait until 7:30 p.m. to find out what really happened. We take that trust seriously and will continue to provide a TV product that is intelligent, relevant and reflective of what is important in the country.
McCartney's words
Branville McCartney had "hard mouth" - to use a Bahamian colloquialism - when he referred to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Opposition Leader Perry Christie last week at a party event.
At a reception at Workers House for DNA candidate Alfred Poitier -- the DNA's candidate for Kennedy -- McCartney called Ingraham a bully and Progressive Liberal Party leader Perry Christie a wimp.
Now, tough talk is always entertaining in politics. But the talk must be grounded in reality. No matter what you think of Ingraham and Christie, they have dedicated their entire adult lives to public service. They both also have many accomplishments.
McCartney has not been around long enough yet to have the right to insult either leader. In fact, if this election does not go well, McCartney's political life may only last for five years. Ingraham and Christie have been MPs since 1977.
The remark about Christie is especially excessive. Christie may not be the best manager of men. He may also not always be the most organized of leaders. However, he is no wimp.
Christie survived being fired by Sir Lynden in 1984 and eventually became prime minister. He led the PLP in 2002 to a landslide victory over the FNM. He has survived the various threats to his leadership since he was named PLP leader in 1997.
McCartney should attack the leaders of the FNM and PLP - he wants to be PM. But, he should not utter petty personal attacks. This should be a learning experience for the Bamboo Town MP: Be strong and tough, but be fair.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
