With Choice Comes Responsibility - Broadcasting Commission Campaign

With Choice Comes Responsibility

The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) launched its media campaign "Choice Comes With Responsibility" this week delivering messages urging the public to take a more active approach to screening content that is exposed to children and content that is fit for broadcast.

Public Relations Manager, Nicole Morrison, notes that the campaign is a refreshed approach to the previous “Children’s Code for Programming Campaign”. It relates to the three areas of BCJ regulation: radio, television and cable.

Ms Morrison said of the goals of the campaign "The aim of a regulatory authority, such as the Broadcasting Commission, operating in a dynamic and converging media environment, is ultimately self-regulation by licensees. This campaign is to hopefully take us in that direction...Everyone has a role to play and this campaign seeks to identify the role expected of different social groups."

The three radio PSAs and two television PSAs are receiving prime time airplay across stations and according to Ms Morrison, have gained attention and are stimulating comment.

THE CAMPAIGN

Choice Comes With Responsibility

Radio PSA:

• “Radio for Everyone”: This highlights the choice between content fit for airplay and content that should only be for personal consumption

Radio/TV PSAs

• Studio Mix”: This is the scenario of music producer and artiste producing content for airplay
• “Put in the code”: This highlights the importance of protecting the young and vulnerable from harmful content on cable

The series of new PSAs was developed with the expertise of Dunlop Corbin Communications. Video and sound production was done by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) and the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC).

Methodology Manages The Crisis - JPS

Methodology Manages The Crisis - JPS    (Audio of JPS Operational Crisis Plan)

Communictions Director at the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo), Winsome Callum said that to manage crises the company follows a clear plan with documented processes. She was speaking at the IABC presentation and discussion "Earthquakes, Murders and Blackouts" on March 3.

Noting that when a crisis had been identified it triggered action by specific individuals on an Operational Crisis Organisation Chart, Ms Callum said that a person appointed with the responsiblity for communications is always on a crisis team.
 
Key elements of the company's Operational Crisis Plan, including the crisis communications response, include clear documented guidelines on timely updates and a list of key persons who need to be kept advised.

The JPS response calls for: Immediate acknowledgement of the problem and statement on action being taken; reporting to System Control within 60 minutes; hosting a media conference and releasing an updated statement to all stakeholders." 
 
The JPS crisis plan is not a static document but is reviewed and updated every single year. This is a policy of ongoing improvement. The company proudly says that it has the best hurricane response plan of all public services in the entire country.

As a service provider, billing issues are listed high among the communications challenges for JPS, perhaps even more so than handling an oncoming hurricane or an all-island blackout. To manage those issues, staff members are considered to be key communicators.
 
"Every JPS employee is a customer service rep. We recognise that...our job is to ensure that the information is available, we try to get the team leaders and the managers to discuss these talking points with team members and ensure that they understand them and give us feedback," Ms Callum said.

The organisation is currently undergoing changes and preparation is being done to ensure that persons in key posts have the necessary communications skills.

"We are training people in crisis management and recognising crises. Identified a team of spokespersons and organising a speakers' bureau for training to start being on the ground in addressing customers and the use of new media." she noted.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CCN Balancing The Reporting of Crime

JCF Balancing The Reporting of Crime

(Audio clip)

Head of CCN Inspector Steve Brown said that his unit is reviewing how it reports serious crime in order to give the public more context about murders. Inspector Brown was participating in an IABC presentation and discussion "Earthquakes, Murders and Blackouts" on March 3.

"Some of these murders, you will never understand it; especially from an organised perspective. Most of these murders can be easily explained, and that is what we intend to do from a communications perspective...at least some people can get a better understanding as to why some of these people are taken out. Gang men having their personal conflicts."

Sharing examples of how murders were carried out on persons who may be far removed from a conflict or by gang members with low tolerance he said, "We have to try to balance the thing so that you have an understanding and don't panic because most of the times it (the murder) is coming from somewhere."


Inspector Brown said that constant reporting of serious crimes has an effect on members of the CCN and that the Force steps in to protect those officers.

"The most dificult task is when you go on a murder scene and you are caught in the middle of children crying for their parents...people begging for help. That is the most difficult task and challenge. How do you relate to those human beings? We tend to withdraw some of the police officers from CCN who go out on a murder scene too often. It is our responsibility to be professional," he said.

The CCN Head said that the Force was tackling its image by being tough on corruption that is within and cited examples of recent arrests of officers by other officers and the reporting of it by the CCN.

He said that the future of the Force is looking promising as they were currently experiencing an increase in the number of qualified persons who are applying to enter. "We are getting people who are qualified people to be a part of the JCF to change the face of this organisation....It is  your police force and it is something that we are working on," he said.

Hats On To Easter - Fundraising Event for Childern

HATS ON TO EASTER TO BENEFIT SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE – HAITI and JAMAICA’S CHILDREN FIRST

On Sunday, March 14, the 5^th staging of the popular Hats On To Easter fundraising event which raises funds to assist children at risk will take place in the courtyard of the OGM building at 3 Ardenne Road, Kingston 10, starting at 11:00 a.m. Proceeds from the 2010 event will benefit SOS Children’s Village, Haiti and Children First of Spanish Town and special guests at the 3-hour event will be the event’s Patron, Ambassador Madge Barrett, as well as the National Director of SOS Children's Village, Jamaica, Gregory Wint.

Staged by Hearts `n’ Ideas, the charitable arm of the communications agency, Innovative IDEAS, Hats On To Easter has established a reputation as a totally-fun and top-value-for-money way to spend a Sunday morning in support of a very worthy cause! 

The 2010 event will again showcase spectacular hats – this year presented by Cinderella Hats and featuring celebrity models such as actress / singer Sakina of For Better or Worse and actress Camille Davis of Easy Street – and will also incorporate a series of highly-anticipated, prizes-linked competitions. These will include the Best Dressed Hat competitions for Men & Women; the Most Innovative Hat competition; and the Reggae Jammin’ [Best Model] Hat competitions for Men & Women.  Adding to the fun will be the auctioning of two hats, donated by Cinderella Hats, with Christopher “Johnny” Daley serving as the auctioneer.

With Glen “Titus” Campbell at the turntable and an excerpt from For Better or Worse included in the entertainment package, Hats On To Easter 2010 promises to be one of the best ever. 

Tickets to the event will be $1,500 each, all inclusive, presold [$1,800 at the gate] and may be booked by calling Sharon at 978 4330.

Corporate Movements

Postal Corporation of Jamaica
Thandy Lewis, Communications Officer, is now handling all public relations and marketing for the Postal Corporation that is headquartered on South Camp Road.

Constabulary Communications Network (CCN)
Inspector Steve Brown is the officer-in-charge at the CCN. At the March meeting of the IABC, he noted that the department will be undergoing changes in order to improve delivery of service. Inspector Brown is the first CCN head with specialist public relations and communications training and skills.

Public Sector Modernisation Unit
The PSMU in the Office of the Prime Minister gave an update of its activities to public sector communications stakeholders at a meeting on March 5. Nearly 80 officers attended the meeting where they gave suggestions for an ongoing programme to deliver clear, frequent messages to public sector workers using the communications officers in place in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

JIS Delivering Shorter Programmes
The JIS has moved away from the half-hour magazine format and is delivering shorter and more targetted broadcast messages in the time reserved for government broadcasts. The agency launched the patriotic song, "This is Jamaica, A Bold New Beginning, last week. The song is the theme under which the new radio and television programming is being delivered. The song, written and produced by Devon Sparks Proudctions, is also being played accross radio stations.

Noted...

New PSAs out on Citizens Rights
Karen Cadien, communication consultant at The Police Citizen Oversight Authority (PCSA) lanched its first PSA on television "Know Your Rights When Arrested". For more on PCOA go to www.pcoa.gov.jm

IABC Meeting Preparation Is Strength
IABC meeting on March 3 delivered sound presentations on Crisis Management from Communications Director of JPSCo Winsome Callum and Officer-in-charge of CCN, Inspector Steve Brown. Friends of the Haiti Society explained how broadcast radio is an essential empowerment tool for citizens.

PRSJ Made Major Impact
Past President of the PRSJ, Janneth Mornan Green, recalled the contribution of the PRSJ to education, governance and other areas in the February 15 meeting of the Society. PR Manager at the Ministry of Transport and Works, Leo McEwan announced that the AGM will be at JTI/Jampro on March 30. Invitations extended for all members to pay subs so that they will have a vote.
First Citizen of Kingston Sworn in With Pomp and Ceremony
CARA's Managing Director, Founding member of the PRSJ and Past President, Elaine Commissiong, handled the PR and some areas of venue logistics for the swearing in ceremony for Hon Steadman Fuller, Custos of Kingston. The event, attended by hundreds of Justices of the Peace, was held at the Jamaica Conference Centre on February 25. Event co-handled by the Jamaica Defence Force, Kings House and state protocol officers drawn from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister.

PR Exec is President of Masters Athletic Association
PRSJ Member, Leo McEwan, was elected President of the Jamaica Masters Athletics Association (JMAA) recently. The organisation represents athletes 35 years and over. The Gleaner reports him as saying that he will be trying to change the perception of his organisation from leisure activities to one where it is taken seriously.


Areas of particular focus for the association over the next two years include becoming more visible within the Jamaican sports fraternity, participation in overseas Masters track meets such as the World Masters Championships, Penn Relays and the North American, Central and Caribbean Championships and the holding of a Jamaican Masters Championships. The JMAA motto is "promoting a healthy approach to life after 35".



VP Records Sign Joan Andrea Hutchinson
MIRAMAR - With seven CDs and three books under her belt, Joan Andrea Hutchinson is now signed to entertainment distribution giants, VP Records. VP records will now handle the distribution of Hutchinson's work in North America, Europe and The Caribbean.

Nothing Stops This Baby
The organisers of the Sigma Corporate Run recorded their largest ever turnout of participants with 11,000 registered to finish the course. There were 6,000 participants in 2008 and more last year. AMK Communications handles marketing efforts for Jamaica's biggest corporate road event. See articles on marketing at their blog.

Top Note
Jamaica Jazz and Blues is Jamaica's top flight musical calendar event. The three-day musical event Marketing and Sponsorship is handled by Marcia Mc Donnough of Touchstone Productions.

When Eating Out is In
Kingston Restaurant Week expanded to become Restaurant Week. A date that is circled in red in many calendars and the Gleaner's list is eagerly sought out. Concept and marketing execution by Stephanie Scott with the Gleaner as major partner.

Who Would've Thunk It?
Fashion Night Out created a road block last year when the Jamaica Observer united retailers for one evening of group retail therapy. Organised by Novia Mc Donald Whyte who went beyond editorial duties to become a marketing force for the national newspaper. 

Where there is a Vacuum
In the absence of a Jamaican restaurateur's association, Novia Mc Donald Whyte brings the best epicurean skills and artistry in one place for a glorious evening of culinary appreciation. Winners of this award proudly display the trophy and make mention on promotional materials.

Putting the People Behind the Scenes Forward
Each year some of the most honourable professionals are put on a pedestal by Lasco and celebrated. The Teacher of the Year; Policeman of the Year and Pharmacist of the Year recognititon and awards are handled by Jean Lowrie Chin of PROComm. 

Fun In The Son
Not enough family events are around and the yearly Best Dressed Fun In The Son is so big that the municipal bus company has a special schedule for it. PR handled by Christine Bell of Innovative Ideas.

No More Cussing On Air

On Ash Wednesday morning (February 17), Newstalk 93 FM radio talk show host Ragashanti told a caller that there will be no more cussing on the programming. He said that it was a "bit man thing" and that they had to be responsible and comply with the regulations of the Broadcasting Commission.