JIS Modernising, Expanding Reach

Minister with responsibility for Information, Hon. Robert Morgan, has hailed the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) for steps being taken to modernise and increase its presence to reach Jamaicans wherever they reside.

He cited, among other things, the pending launch of an online radio option, as well as a main channel to transmit government events in real time, and the establishment of a regional office in St. Thomas.

These measures, he noted, are not mere operational expansions but strategic moves to address localised information needs and solidify the agency’s presence.

“Not only are we building out an office in St. Thomas, but… we are beginning to procure vehicles to boost public information in communities. In this budget year, we are purchasing a sound vehicle to do that exact thing; going into communities once again to have conversations with the people,” he said.

Minister Morgan, who was making a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (Nov. 28), said that the JIS stands as a stalwart in the provision of timely and accurate information.

The launch of the agency’s new website www.jis.gov.jm in September, as well as the initiation of a fact-checking website www.factcheckja.com, positions JIS as a vigilant guardian against misinformation and disinformation, while representing a strategic move towards modernity and accessibility, he added.

He noted further that the establishment of a dedicated Social Media Department covering a myriad of platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, signifies a dynamic approach to engagement.

“The impressive outreach of over 16 million online users between April and September this year, is a testament to the agency’s adeptness in leveraging diverse platforms,” Minister Morgan said.

The Information Minister, who has responsibility for the JIS, said the agency’s role is increasingly pivotal in the contemporary media landscape.

He noted that the JIS’ commitment to disseminating information based on government strategic priorities is evident in its comprehensive content production.

“It is commendable that the agency has met 78 per cent of its performance targets as of September 30, 2023, and that attests to the continued efforts to boost efficiency,” Minister Morgan told the House.

He informed that the agency’s ISO 9001:2015 certification was renewed in September 2023 after a rigorous audit by the National Certification Body of Jamaica, and further commended the initiation of an internship programme in October 2023, which aims to nurture young, prospective journalists.

“JIS has a rich history. It has one of the largest archives of historical material and a lot of our well-known journalists came through the Jamaica Information Service. I want to say credit to Governments across the aisle… we have seen a constant building out of the Jamaica Information Service,” Minister Morgan said.