Media workers on the island have been told that they should utilize the rapid advances in social media as a mass communication tool to facilitate the two-way flow of information on all public interest subjects that touch and concern the many facets of other human rights.

That’s the advice from the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) on the observance of World Press Freedom Day today.

The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day- “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights”

“The ACM takes a dim view of the increasing practice of decision-makers, especially those in the political sphere, who have resorted to one-way communication through Tweets and Facebook video and text posts. This approach appears to be a clear avoidance of scrutiny at press conferences and interviews. We urge an end to such a practice that robs the public of details that will potentially allow them to make rational decisions. These deficiencies in freedom of expression are leading to dysfunctional societies,” the ACM said in a statement.

The ACM said with the proliferation of social media and all its attendant ills of misinformation and disinformation, the ACM’s unwavering position is that there is invaluable space for journalism as means of freedom of expression.

“Professionally practiced to ensure accuracy and fairness; journalism is the only conduit to cultivate the public as change agents for transparency, good governance, and accountability” the statement added.

The ACM also wants journalists to be vigilant and guard against new laws, regulations, and practices that violate the tenet of freedom of expression.