Broadcasting Commission foolishly bans music “glorifying” illegality
The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCOJ) has banned the airplay from radio and free to air television of all music promoting illegal activity. This includes music promoting scamming, the use of illicit drugs, illegal weapons, jungle justice and other forms of illegal activity. In a statement, the BCOJ said the ban has been made to rid the airwaves of harmful content since radio and television still play a part in teaching what is acceptable to society. Given this consideration, the commission said the playing of songs that promote illegal activity could encourage criminality among youth and give the impression that it is acceptable behaviour. Executive Director of the Commission Cordel Green said while the right to freedom of expression is taken into consideration, allowing music which promotes criminality to be played would go against responsible broadcasting.
Since the ban, there have differing views about its effectiveness with many citing other platforms such as YouTube and Spotify where banned music can still be accessed. Record producer, Tarik Johnston, more popularly known as Rvssian posted, “Good ting we don’t need radio anymore. I can’t remember the last royalties they paid me. YouTube d ting deh”. Dancehall artiste, Collin Edwards, better known as Demarco also posted, “Yute dem nuh need radio anymore. Mek dem gwaan ban. Internet the ting deh!!!”
The Monitor Tribune spoke with an attorney-at-law who addressed the responsibility that the government holds regarding the policing of such music. “Some people are saying that people can find it [music] even if you ban them on traditional media. When people say that they have to understand that when you’re in a sovereign state, the state has a responsibility to protect its citizens, especially the vulnerable citizens. We don’t want children to be unduly exposed to anything that is seen as subversive to the society”, he said.
Some entertainers have slammed the ban and still insist that their music has no influence on crime. Like Green, the attorney believes music that promotes illegal activities can incite crime. “Music is a commentary on what’s happening. It’s a reflection of what’s happening in the society. A song can either be just a narrative – something that tells you what’s happening – or it could be something inciting [violence]. Now, when you are promoting or glorifying something, it may be seen as inciteful in the sense that you are spurring on people to do things that are considered illegal, and there is a correlation between what happens in the media and behavior in society”, he explained.
The ban comes in light of the prevalence of songs promoting illegality and the numerous debates surrounding whether these songs influence the rise in crime.
