The announced closure of SportsMax by Digicel, alongside the immediate shutdown of Loop News, marks a significant and troubling moment for Caribbean media. For over 20 years, SportsMax has been a cornerstone of regional and international sports broadcasting, instrumental in developing Caribbean sports journalism and delivering high-quality, culturally relevant programming to its audiences.
These losses expose the precarious state of media sustainability in the region. The disappearance of such influential platforms echoes the past decline of notable institutions like Radio Antilles, the Caribbean News Agency (CANA), and the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). These historic precedents highlight the urgent need to rethink how media operates, funds itself, and remains relevant in an evolving digital landscape and to recognise media as a vital sector deserving of formal support and strategic investment, akin to tourism or agriculture.
Going forward, the path must be one of strategic investment and the establishment of sustainable frameworks tailored to the unique needs of Caribbean media. This includes fostering partnerships between governments, private sector stakeholders, and regional organisations to provide financial stability, infrastructure, and innovation support. It also encourages partnerships among media houses, broadcasters, and educational institutions that will nurture the next generation of Caribbean storytellers.
Without decisive action, the region risks losing not only its media platforms but also its ability to shape its narrative in sports and beyond. The closures of SportsMax and Loop News are a clarion call to stakeholders to elevate Caribbean media from a vulnerable sector to a resilient and thriving pillar of regional identity and development.
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