Readers’ Reactions

Broadcasting Commission bans playing of scamming, Molly and gun music

“I assume Broadcasting Commission has a list of songs on their website. But the stations affected are so few, ‘cause of listening habits. In a creative industry where words can have new meanings, not sure how this works, though.” – @slidemongoose

“People never learn from history, enuh. Also, the basic principle of people crave prohibited ‘n taboo things will only lead to this being bigger on streaming platforms. Question: where is the data that drove this decision? Because I’d like to think that in the year 2022, it’s not vibes.” – @NarkoGREEN

“So how do we know when the singer is singing about a legal gun?” – @Chris4larmond

“I don’t care for [the] genre, but when did censorship ever prevent anything?” – @PurplegirlJ

“On the airwaves, OK; but the target audience don’t do radio, enuh.” – @wackiedon

“It’s about time all the media get behind those who are genuine and honest in their efforts to clean up dancehall music and all the forms of arts that glorifies crimes and immoral behaviours.” – @Anthony66372214

“I support this. But if the goal is to discourage the consumption of drugs like Molly and prevent people from resorting to scamming, then other social intervention programmes need to be implemented.” – @Oshane_309

“Den a just now y’all thinking about this? While the songs have a vibe and thing, something it just not airplay-worthy.” – @kiwimoss

“I see that Broadcasting Commission is very reactive in their approach to have clean airwaves, but can someone point me to an actual research that has proven that the consumption of music has caused the crime rate to skyrocket. Also, in the ‘70s, was the music also at fault?” – @1Genah__

“That’s why we soon stop listen radio or watch television.” – @Mr_prentice23

“Overdue. The radio has been competing with the streets for years now and no one held them accountable … full time!” – @djtrueblue1

“Oh well. No one listens radio anyway. Just another reason to justify not listening.” – @ja_soulja

“Full time, but real question is, how will persons be prosecuted if in breach of Broadcasting Commission Act? Does the performer and/or lyricist along with the broadcaster/ DJ [get] fined for such a breach? Could they outline what is the fine, if breached? – @Projectjamaica

“These songs were never on the radio, so are they banning the hip-hop they play 90 per cent of the time with the same messaging? Another try at scapegoating, pointing fingers at the people, instead of the administration implementing substantive changes.” – @4KINGZ_FALKON

“This is one of the most asinine things I’ve seen this body do.” – @deeshi

“Personally, I’m in agreement. I’m just wondering why it took so long!” – @Bernii36

- Reactions are from The Gleaner’s Twitter page. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel.