The role of broadcasters on the island came under scrutiny during a one day workshop last Wednesday organised by the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG).

The event, sponsored by local communications company, Cable & Wireless as part of activities marking Media Week 2005.

Over 20 persons participated in the event held at the company's Conference Room at Dusty Highway in the south of the island. Delivering the feature presentation was Sociologist and Musician, Eugene Gittens who encouraged broadcasters to recognise their role and work together towards achieving it.

Gittens pointed out that many of the popular songs played on radio, in clubs and at local concerts as well as movies and images that are aired contain negative messages that can contribute to social problems. He identified those problems as alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, violence, gender biases, disrespect to women, and intolerance among others.

He told the participants that their profession is one of the most influential agencies of socialisation today and so they have to play their part, along with the family, schools and peer groups in instilling positive values and attitudes among the people, especially the youths.

As a result of the workshop, broadcasters agreed to form an Advisory Board to review proposed media legislation, to pursue training for staff, and to review internal procedures.

Media Week 2005 begun with a Church Service at the St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Gouyave, St. John's and ended last Friday with Karaoke Night at the Creole Shack on the Carenage.

Media Week 2005 was held under the theme "Freedom of Expression: Your Right, Our Duty. We give you our WORD".