“Resign At The Appropriate Time, And Then You Get Involved”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Veteran journalist turned diplomat Wendall Jones says while he has no issue with members of the media pursuing political office, he believes journalists should resign from their positions before stepping onto the campaign trail.

His comments follow the recent political moves of three high-profile media figures, Eyewitness News owner and Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian, who was ratified by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to run in Fort Charlotte; ZNS General Manager Clint Watson, who is seeking a PLP nomination in Southern Shores; and Tribune Publisher Robert Dupuch-Carron, who is reportedly pursuing the PLP’s nomination for the MICAL constituency.

With journalists moving from the newsroom to the political stage, critics have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the independence of the press.

But Jones, now Bahamas Ambassador to the United States and former Jones Communications CEO, says it’s not about whether journalists should enter politics, but how they do it.

“Your entry should be done properly,” Jones said. “You cannot be serving as an executive in a media company and immediately jump into politics. A resignation at the appropriate time is necessary, and then you get involved.”

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in reporting, saying journalists must uphold the ethics of their profession.

“I don’t think any reporter should allow themselves to be censored,” he noted. “You ought to adhere to the tenets of journalism and have professional integrity to know right from wrong.”

Jones added that many notable politicians and diplomats, including John F. Kennedy, Obie Wilchcombe, and Fred Mitchell, began their careers in media, proving that journalists can successfully transition into politics when done the right way.

“Some of the best politicians in the world have been media people,” he said.