Danick Zandronis: Media, journalism under colonialism - instrument of control, not freedom

Being a journalist in a colonial territory is not an easy task, since the mainstream media are used as a tool for mentally influencing the population, Danick Zandronis, a journalist from Guadeloupe, said at at the international thematic conference "Towards the Decolonization of Guadeloupe: Challenges and Perspectives" in Baku, Report informs.

He noted that historically, the media in Guadeloupe were used by France to influence the thinking of the population and to entrench colonialism.

"In Guadeloupe, the media, especially state-owned ones, are used to form a certain way of thinking among the population. Radio and television serve the interests of the metropolis, not the interests of the people," he emphasized.

He noted that exclusively French content prevails on the airwaves, including music and programs, which makes it difficult to preserve the cultural identity of the inhabitants of Guadeloupe.

"Before, we were forced to listen to the French national anthem every morning on the radio, French songs, for example, Charles Aznavour. Local media did not give space to Guadeloupean culture and language. This is mental subordination, not free journalism," Zandronis said.

He added that the media and journalism under colonialism are not an instrument of freedom, but an instrument of control: "Our task is to change this."