During this period, there were several attempts to discredit the integrity of journalists and media outlets during the electoral process that will culminate in 2025.
In response to these incidents, leaders of the major political groups, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP), have urged their followers to cease attacks against media, journalists, and civil society groups.
On October 7th, an online video surfaced accusing six journalists from The Gleaner newspaper of being linked to the opposition PNP and being used to sabotage the Government. Images of the six reporters and attacks on their character and professional integrity were shared.
Anthony Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, rejected the accusations, stating that the content was false and misleading and posed a risk to the safety of their staff by exposing them to potential attacks.
The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) condemned the attacks on journalists and media outlets in response to allegations from supporters of both political forces linking the media to one party. The PAJ also expressed concern over recent statements by PNP President and Opposition Leader Mark Golding, who suggested at the party's annual conference that some media companies are "JLP-aligned."
Meanwhile, PNP supporters accused the Deputy Managing Director of the Jamaica Observer of influencing the editorial policy of the media outlet, and JLP MP Everald Warmington claimed at a political event that the RJRGLEANER Communications Group has an agenda against Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
In response to a letter from The Gleaner's Editor-in-Chief Moya Thomas, expressing concern for the safety of journalists and urging the party to distance itself from the video publicly, JLP Secretary General Horace Chang stated that his party was not responsible for the video in question and "would not condone such activity."
