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Premier Wheatley accuses local media of 'clickbait journalism'

- urges public to seek out more information & do research
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said that while he favors a strong media core in the VI, he remains concerned about click bate type articles. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Several media houses have reportedly expressed to the Chief Information Officer in the Department of Information and Public Relations, Desiree Smith, they will not be complying with the request to submit their questions ahead of the Premier’s press update on Friday, October 28, 2022. Photo: GIS
Several media houses have reportedly expressed to the Chief Information Officer in the Department of Information and Public Relations, Desiree Smith, they will not be complying with the request to submit their questions ahead of the Premier’s press update on Friday, October 28, 2022. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Known to be vocal about his opinion of the local media, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said while he favours a strong media core in the VI he remains concerned about clickbait type articles.

The Premier’s response came during an October 28, 2022, press conference when he was asked whether there are efforts by his government to strengthen and have dialogue with the press in the VI.

“I think this press conference is an example of ensuring that the media have access to their elected representatives and their elected leaders. Certainly, of course, we favour a very strong media core and the media has a role in keeping the public informed.

The Premier, however, said that he is concerned about having more in-depth investigative stories that seek to illuminate the public on issues.

“I think we have to reflect as a society as to this brand of journalism, which is almost like clickbait journalism where persons are seeking just to get hits on stories as opposed to keeping the public properly informed on matters.”

Good brand of Journalism in VI - Premier Wheatley 

While the Premier did not give examples of what he believed to be clickbait, he appeared to contradict his own statements when he commended the media core for having a good brand of journalism, “But certainly, I say in the Virgin Islands we have a very good brand of journalism, of course. I think it's always in every area we always have to push for excellence.”

He added that while the VI has different types of media outlets and stories, the public also has a responsibility to ensure that they do their research and seek out as much information as possible. 

“But having more information to the public is something that can only strengthen the society, in my view, and I’m a very strong component of media freedom and media having access to information,” he added.

The Unity Government recently came under fire for asking reporters to submit questions in advance ahead of a press conference.

The Premier said while the policy will not be strictly adhered to, he would still prefer questions ahead of the press conference so he could have accurate information available for reporters.

What is clickbait journalism?

Headline writing has long been considered a skill but, in the digital age, a new word has become synonymous with online journalism- clickbait.

According to the BBC, put simply, it is a headline that tempts the reader to click on the link to the story. But the name is also used in a disparaging way to describe headlines that are sensationalised, turn out to be adverts or are simply misleading.

"Publishers increasingly use it for simple economics; the more clicks you get, the more people on your site, the more you can charge for advertising," the BBC stated in a September 2015 article on the subject.

5 Responses to “Premier Wheatley accuses local media of 'clickbait journalism'”

  • True (31/10/2022, 09:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The whole world doing clickbait news now.
  • smh (31/10/2022, 11:01) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can We focus on more pressing issues than you bickering back and forth like the former Premier. Furthermore the BVI needs a snap Election right about NOW!
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (31/10/2022, 14:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Worrying about many uncertain present and future events. What will be will be, in reference to which future political Cabinet will be empowered to lead after the next coming general election.
    The full implementation of the 49 CoI recommendations are the mountain that are to be climbed. You have agreed to their implementation.
    Do the efficiently or else your will ga e the UK the political rights to suspend or reformed as it sees fit, facts. Political game time playing is past. True accountability for how our, the general public,finances was, are are being spending in the best interest of our people needs. The UK'S Government is serious that better governance is a must, going forward, facts.
  • I agree (31/10/2022, 15:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We definitely need a better trained investigative media team. Media is weak and don't come with proof or facts.
  • Really (31/10/2022, 21:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    People like drama. Stay dumb ask these sodomites where is the change. This premier been in office long enough for change but they are using the elites script just like all the other puppets in the whole world in power to govern us. Ask why is he only talking and doing nothing but gossip online. I don't care about talk. Look at all the headlines I'm all vino stories nothing but distraction for what's coming. Look for real information online and you will get wisdom, understand,and knowledge. Listening to all this gossip and letting them lead you into temptation is wrong. I will NEVER TRUST THESE SODOMITES EVER


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