Caribbean journalism’s media economy

Abstract

Since the turn of the 21st century, the Caribbean news industry has experienced an economic phase of growth, a trend that contradicts the experience in the United States and Europe, and rapid changes brought on by technological innovations. However, Caribbean journalism is constrained by political, economic, and social forces that limit its effectiveness in upholding the ideals of democracy. This article examines journalism and the news industry in the English-speaking Caribbean. The analysis focuses mainly on the newspaper industry but also includes broadcast media. Media economic theories are used to explain the key forces that are influencing the growth of Caribbean media and the impact on the practice and profession of journalism in the region.