MATT vows to protect journalists from censorship

2026-03-24 - 01:14

Senior Reporter kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) is vowing to protect journalists from censorship, following a warning from the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). This follows a story aired on CNC3 last Wednesday, which featured a news conference where former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley referred to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as a jamette. At the time, Rowley was responding to the PM’s claims that the People’s National Movement’s Balisier House was funded by drug money. In response, TATT cautioned the media about content aired on television and directly warned CNC3 about the story. However, addressing the issue on Freedom 106.5 FM yesterday, MATT president Prior Beharry defended CNC3, saying the story was accurately reported. “MATT would not stand by and let anybody stop us from reporting what is accurate, what we see as news, what we see as journalism. We will continue to do that... He (Dr Keith Rowley) used a word to describe the current Prime Minister, and the media reported that, and it’s accurate. You have to be very wary about trying to tell the media that we cannot report something that is the truth because it’s not for us to judge,” Beharry said. Though another media house previously reported that TATT is actively reviewing content for possible regulatory action, TATT CEO Kurleigh Prescod said yesterday no formal warning was issued to CNC3. TATT also declined to state on the record whether any action will be taken. Despite Prescod’s claims, Guardian Media is in possession of a letter from TATT dated March 20, where it advised CNC3 to practice greater oversight and monitoring. The letter, signed by Prescod said, “The Authority hereby cautions GML (CNC3) that, as a national television station, it is obligated to exercise responsibility in its broadcasting with a high degree of due diligence and accordingly avoid any language that is of an offensive or derogatory nature and/or contrary to the concession conditions. GML (CNC3) is therefore advised to practice greater oversight and monitoring to ensure compliance with its concession.” Contacted yesterday, Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Smith, TATT’s line minister, said the body was an independent one and, as such, he had not intervened in any decision on the matter, nor has he been informed if any action will be taken.