Media practitioners claim they exist to serve the interests of the people! The general consensus is that the media exists to inform, educate and entertain the masses. As a result, their policies are made with the best interest of the people at heart. Yeah right!

The truth is that the media are in business and no matter wha they say, they're true aim is to make money. The media operate in a market driven society and are consequently sonstantly under pressure to compete with other media houses. As a result of this, it is the people who suffer.

Three quarters of the programming that is aired on television takes the form of entertainment. Maybe it is that they're trying to present information in a way that is appealing to their audience but the effects are not all that good.

Since lately, (well not too lately), they have come up with new terms like, 'edutainment' and 'infotainment.' The truth is, it is the same information but packaged in a different way.

The reality of the situation is that people are not free to choose the content that they watch. There are a variety of channels but the content is largely the same, entertainment! entertainment! entertainment!

I propose that the media houses take on new policies that cater for everyone; not everyone as a collective whole, but all the different groups.

They need to stop being so caught up in money making that they cannot see the youth, the future, plunging into disaster or world leaders making decisions with purely selfish intentions in mind.

Whether they want to believe it or not, the media plays a very important role in shaping our reality and it is full time they start doing their duties regardless of the little returns that they may get! I believe the media can do this without looking over their shoulders and lamenting on money lost because in the end, it is for the greater good.

It seems persons today have forgotten the little things in life that makes coexisting a lot less burdensome. Persons consider it an onerous task when someone opens a door or pulls out a chair or out of plain courtesy, steps out of the way and allows them to go infront at the cashier in the local supermarket.

It may seem like a trivial matter at times but these are the little things that may very well brighten up someones day and quite possibly save a life. Too often things are taken for granted and people do not know the true value of their friendships because persons do not say thank you.

In jamaica, there is a saying that "education takes you halfway around the world but it is good manners that will take you the rest of the journey."

These are little principles that need to be taught to children from a very tender age so that they will grow and learn to appreciate people and they will in turn be shown the necessary appreciation.

So the next time someone says "You have a lovely daughter." Instead of saying "I Know," try for "Thank You." I promise, it will work wonders.

One of the greatest musicians of all times and one of the founding fathers of what people now know as reggae is Bob Marley. Hi claim to fame is evident in such songs as 'One Love', 'No woman no cry' and 'Turn your lights down low.' His legacy continues to live on in through the music of his son Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley who was awarded two Grammies for his most recent album 'Welcome to Jamrock.'

It seems that Bob Marley has become more famous in death than he ever was in his life.

This comes after there was repeated controversy concerning the remnoval of his remains from jamaica to Ethiopia, the land that many rastafarians believe is 'the promised land.'

More recently, it seems Bob's former music director is suing for royalties that have not been forthcoming since his death. Rumors are that his wife, Rita Marley, may very well be securing what she believes has been a long time coming to her.

Maybe it was because of the promiscuos nature of her late husband or maybe it was because of the fact that he was always in the spotlight and she was stuck in his shadow singing backup.

Whatever the reason, i believe it best that these matters be resolved as soon as possible and parasites stop feeding of the legacy of a dead superstar.

Bob did his part and now it is time for him to rest in peace so please let him.

What do you think?