Jyoti Communication

Media icon Ken Gordon has not yet seen the terms of reference for the proposed government committee on media standards but he has made it clear that if it is in conflict with the freedom of the press he would not be a part of the committee.

Information Minister Neil Parsanlal announced this week that government has asked Gordon to head a team to review media standards in light over the controversy over Prime Minister Patrick Manning's visit to a radio station to complain about a broadcast.

Gordon himself had said that Manning was wrong to do that and that the suspension of two broadcasters was too drastic. However, he also said media has an obligation to be responsible and professional.

Gordon told the Trinidad Express he doesn't see any conflict of interest in heading the committee. "I see this only as something if we can move anything forward, that we do it. I am quite certain the Government would not present anything that would be a conflict of freedom of the press, otherwise I won't be part of it."

The Express has rejected the government getting involved in any way in regulating the media.

Parsanlal told the paper: "The terms of reference are being prepared and Mr Gordon and I are having discussions on that." Parsanlal said the Government is approaching media practitioners to join the committee to give them an opportunity "to either accept or reject" the recommendations.