Journalism for Caribbean Development: New Perspectives in the Age of Economic Globalization

• Author: Canute James
• Pages: 214-220

214 CARICOM: Appropriate Adaptation to a Changing Global Environment

The changes brought about by the alterations in the global economy, and the

impact these are having on the regional economy, are challenging those who

present information on business and the economy. Regional journalists are

being required significantly to change their perspective in order to be effective

in informing about the causes, consequences and meaning of the changes

from increasing economic globalization.

Increasingly deregulated markets, and the region’s move towards

liberalized commerce and the creation of its own common market, demand

that journalists change their appreciation of, and approach to, informing

about the region’s business.

Economic globalization has created in emerging economies, such as those

of the Caribbean, an almost instinctive fear of change – a negative gut reaction

to developments that are seemingly beyond control. This is compounded by

uncertainty as to whether globalization will bring adverse or positive

consequences. In defining the phenomenon, there is a debate about whether

it offers opportunities for exploitation and the further debilitation of the weak,

or whether there are opportunities that can be exploited by the weak.

To a significant degree, the region’s position, articulated by its policy

makers, is one of concern about the impact of globalization on the small,

open economies. The fear is of being overwhelmed and of becoming a straw

in this maelstrom of rapid global change.

How do Caribbean journalists reflect this change? The business journalist

in the Caribbean does not have to think about the direction in which to go.

His role has been significantly altered by the new demands created by

economic globalization. Increasingly, there is little need for, and no

JOURNALISM FOR CARIBBEAN

DEVELOPMENT:

New Perspectives in the Age of Economic Globalization

Canute James

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