Jamaïque 2022 - EN

Broadcast media are commercial and convey a variety of viewpoints, and the country’s main newspapers – Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Gleaner and Jamaica Star – are privately owned. The government has no stake in the vast majority of local media and Jamaica remains very well positioned in terms of content independence.

Although Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has praised the country's press freedom record and repeatedly stated his commitment to uphold it, he has also previously suggested that journalists do not have to stick to the facts or truth, and that a free press enables journalists to “take whatever stance they want”.   

Jamaican officials drew criticism at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic when government restrictions were seen as hampering the work of journalists at a time when there was a strong need for reliable information. The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ), along with editors and executives from the country’s major media outlets, called on the prime minister to rescind public lockdown orders that prevented TV and radio presenters, reporters, camera operators, technicians and other media professionals from moving around freely.

The private media sector has experienced significant growth due to the development of trade in a growing local economy, which has created an advertising market.

The Jamaican free press often openly criticizes officials, and journalists have occasionally reported intimidation while doing their work, particularly ahead of an election.

Although physical attacks are rare and no act of violence has been committed against a journalist in the last ten years, reporters must measure the threat posed to them by the country’s high crime rate when they are investigating a sensitive subject.