Radio Montserrat Explains Decision Not To Publish MCSA Statement

ZJB made a management and editorial decision not to air the statement or publish parts of the Montserrat Civil Service Associations (MCSA) speech issued on October 21st 2019 which leveled accusations of misconduct against the Deputy Governor within the news.

As is the station’s policy, ZJB consulted with the government’s legal adviser after identifying red flags of possible defamation contained within the statement.

The Attorney General reviewed the speech and highlighted her concern about the contents, tenor and accusations made by the MCSA President. The AG’s advice was that the statement appeared to be a private matter relating to personal issues involving the subject’s child and therefore did not warrant publication.

The Governments main legal adviser cautioned ZJB that no Radio Station is obliged to broadcast whatever it is provided and that there is no right to be allowed to use any radio station to broadcast information. From this standpoint, she said caution is always advised when the publication poses a risk of liability.

From a journalistic standpoint, The Attorney General brought to ZJB’s attention, the Reynolds Defense, which is leading authority on qualified privilege as a defense for the publication of defamatory statements which are in the public’s interest by the media.

After performing Reynold’s Test, ZJB took an editorial decision not to publish the statement.