The Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) is denying it has come to an agreement with the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) with respect to a missing child-alert system.

In its own statement yesterday, the MAJ sought to clarify the apparent miscommunication linked to a press release issued by the BCJ earlier this month.

"The Media Association notes that no agreement, whether in principle or substance, has been reached between the Media Association and the Broadcasting Commission with respect to a child-alert system to expedite the recovery of children reported missing," the MAJ said.

Desire for support

The association noted that at a November 6 meeting - held between the two bodies to discuss broadcasting standards - the commission's chairman, Dr Hopeton Dunn, mentioned the high levels of violence against Jamaica's children and the desire to have the support of broadcasters in devising some type of alert system. However, the MAJ said, no discussion ensued on this matter.

"Based on feedback over the last week, the Media Association recognises that the Broadcasting Commission's press release may have given the impression that broadcasters are not engaged in national efforts to expedite the recovery of children reported missing and that the Broadcasting Commission has had to propel broadcasters towards supporting such efforts," the MAJ said.

"It is, therefore, timely to put aside our modesty and highlight that our members provide substantial financial and technical support to various initiatives to prevent violence against children, to expedite the recovery of missing children, and to swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators of violence against children."

The association noted that its members remained committed to continuing their high levels of support for these and other initiatives to make Jamaica a safe and nurturing place for children.

"Media Association members have a long history of providing free publicity and production resources to numerous child-safety initiatives," the MAJ said.