Several media professionals highlighted the importance of journalism in Bermuda as they noted the rough patches each organisation faced even as they uphold key journalistic principles.

It came during a panel discussion on Saturday night at a gala event where broadcaster Glenn Blakeney was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to media on the island.

During the forum, which marked the fifth anniversary of the Daily Hour talk show, the panellists shared their thoughts on the state of journalism and the role each of their media groups play in the development of the island.

The panel included Jonathan Howes, the chief executive and publisher of Bermuda Press (Holdings) Ltd, and Trevor Lindsay of the online news site TNN.

They were joined by television journalist Jasmine Patterson and radio broadcaster Nikita Robinson.

During the half-hour discussion, which was hosted by Hazel Clark, a three-time Olympian, the panellists highlighted issues faced by the media.

Ms Robinson said she struggled to keep up with the evolution of technology, adding that there were various social-media platforms that had an impact on the media.

She said: “Technology is a challenge to any industry, and when you look at it, I can’t even keep up.

“You got TikTok, you got Instagram but I think instead of looking at it as a threat, I guess we just have to embrace it.”

Mr Howes highlighted the importance of advertisers to the media, including those who supported media entities in the long term.

He said: “Without their support, there is no journalism, and I think it’s important that we all need to work together”.

Mr Howes said The Royal Gazette has made moves to address its advertising needs, including a redesign of the newspaper’s website last year.

He added that being more collaborative with its partners could address advertising shortfalls.

Mr Lindsay said he had a marketing team to advance his company’s plans.

He added: “I sell my product, and I have my team, so there is money out there — but you have got to work for it.

“You’ve got to work hard; you can sell your product, you just have to work.”

Speaking on challenges in finding sources for a story, Ms Patterson said: “Just getting the story in itself is indeed a challenge.

There is a lot of information that is held by the Government, but easily accessing that information often proved difficult, she said.

She added: “I can’t say it is an easy job, but just because we don’t get a response from the Government doesn’t mean we do not have a story.

“Often we lose out on a balanced story because we don’t have the Government’s response.

“I think we just have to lock it down and to keep working for the community because that’s who we ultimately serve.”

Mr Lindsay supported Ms Patterson’s view.

He said there had previously existed a more harmonious relationship between the State and the media.

Ms Patterson said that before the pandemic that relationship had been more cordial, but she noted that there had been improvements in the provision of information from the Government.

Speaking on the challenges in the recruitment of Bermudian journalists, Mr Howes said the Gazette relied on hiring summer interns.

He added: “Now it is harder and harder to get Bermudians into the journalism space.

“I would say part of it is a community challenge because the job is not 9 to 5; it is not easy, you have to put tough questions to people who could be your friends, relatives.”

On the other hand, Mr Howes said, exciting aspects abounded in the compiling of the news.

He said the newspaper was always striving to improve its cadre of journalists, adding that it could be challenging for a journalist, including those hired from overseas, to build a relationship with the community.

Mr Lindsay said that during his career he had experienced threats because of the content of the news put out by TNN.

He said: “It’s not easy. I report the news; I don’t make it — but it’s not easy.”

Speaking of her experiences, Ms Patterson recalled covering a trial in the Supreme Court where one of the people involved was a friend from childhood.

She said she had to put all that aside and fulfil her duties as a journalist.

Panellists unanimously agreed that the General Election in February and issues at the Bermuda Tourism Authority had presented the biggest stories their respective media houses covered this year.

Mr Blakeney also received numerous compliments for his contributions to broadcasting, adding that would continue to provide meaningful contributions to the island.