Jones: Media executives should resign before entering politics

Wendall Jones, the Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, has emphasized the necessity for media executives to resign from their positions before entering politics to avoid conflicts of interest. Speaking on the growing trend of media professionals transitioning into public service, Jones highlighted the importance of maintaining ethical standards and credibility. He praised journalists who make the leap into politics but stressed that such moves must be executed with integrity and proper preparation. Jones, a seasoned broadcaster and former head of Jones Communications, pointed to successful examples of media figures turned politicians, including former ministers Obie Wilchcombe and Fred Mitchell, as well as U.S. President John F. Kennedy. He also noted the legacy of Sir Arthur Foulkes, a former Governor General who edited both The Tribune and The Bahamian Times before entering public life. However, Jones cautioned that aspiring politicians from the media must be better prepared than many current entrants, emphasizing the need for journalists to uphold ethics and independence. He lamented the ‘dumbing down’ of media in the Bahamas, criticizing the lack of preparedness among some reporters and their insufficient grasp of local and international issues. Jones urged media professionals to read widely and produce informed journalism to serve the public effectively.