The first task at hand is for the organization to determine what role it will play. Should it be an advocate for members in the media and take on large corporations that earn millions of dollars from our community but fail to invest or contribute any of those earnings back into the community? Should it play a regulatory role and police members and fellow media personnel, setting and maintaining standards? Should the organization act as an advertising agency, a central distributing point for mainstream advertising agencies to spend their advertising dollars and have the organization distribute as they see fit?

Another role the organization could play is to gather demographic information about the Caribbean community and distribute to mainstream America. It could develop a complete and accurate media guide which can be distributed to major advertising agencies and large corporations, so that they know the value of this community and the millions of dollars we spend on just about everything from cars, cell phones - and boy do we talk - beauty products, brand name clothes and the list goes on.

The other hurdle the organization will have to jump is its members. South Florida's Caribbean media members comprise of quite an eclectic list of characters, who are publishers, radio DJs, writers, journalists and business persons, who are all involved in the media for varying reasons. This makes establishing the role of the organization very difficult as members will want to see the organization go in their own self-serving way. No need to say that there are the egos to deal with and that will be quite a battle for those asked to lead this group.

The good news is the realization among members of the Caribbean media that there is a need for its members to unite and work together. Those that attended the initial meeting have realized that by uniting they can become a stronger voice and as a unit will be able to accomplish more for themselves and the community. This can only enrich the bottom line of all concerned and empower the community. Under proper guidance and leadership, the Caribbean Media Association can become a very powerful voice for the community in general. A strong and vibrant media is reflective of the community it serves. A successful Caribbean Media Association will only reflect that our community is growing and maturing in a manner that speaks well for all of us.

Send comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Eddy Edwards is host of Caribbean Riddims aired on WKAT 1360 AM every Saturday 3 to 6 p.m. Visit his website www.caribbeanriddims.com

---

Add this article to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites