Ex-reporter says radio host should come clean
(CNS): Following the appearance of Austin Harris, the lead host of Rooster’s early morning radio talk-show, onthe platform of the new political group, Coalition4Cayman, on Monday night, former TV reporter Kenny Bryan has called on the Crosstalk host to be transparent and declare his intention to run. Bryan has admitted his own interest in running with the PPM in George Town at the May elections and, as a result, resigned from his post as a television reporter for Cayman27. He now says that if Harris does not declare his hand, his credibility will be compromised.
Harris appears to be following in the footsteps of his former co-host, Ellio Solomon, who was accused of using the radio platform as a soap box for his own political ambitions until very close to the 2009 elections, in which he ran as a UDP candidate. With what may have been a distinct advantage for his campaign, Solomon won his seat as the 4th elected member for that district, beating his UDP colleague Jonathan Piercy, who failed to win a seat in the LA, by less than 200 votes.
Over the last three years Harris’ own political ambitions have become increasingly apparent, and as host of the C4C meeting on Monday night it was apparent that Harris will be seeking that new political group's endorsement when he enters the fray.
Bryan told CNS that, given the position that Harris has, he should, at the very least, be transparent about his intentions regarding the elections. The host of Crosstalk not only reports on the news but he interviews politicians regularly to present issues to the public, Bryan noted, and said that listeners deserve to know where the host is coming from and his motivations.
“As a former journalist for the people of the Cayman Islands, I understood what my role was and the level of honesty that was expected of me due to the position I held. In the field of journalism, you are expected to be true, un-biased, fair, and never use the platform or position for personal use or gain,” Bryan stated.
Although Harris is a talk-show host and not a reporter or a journalist, he does attend press briefings. Both he and his co-host, Gilbert McLean, have claimed that they play a similar role to the more conventional media and are responsible for exposing government short-comings and putting the politicians and government on the spot.
However, given Harris’ clear position after his appearance Monday evening, Bryan said his credibility must now come into question.
“In his position as the host of the well-known talk show on Rooster FM, he has the ability to persuade, influence and even mislead the people of the Cayman Islands. The Rooster show has become a major source of information of what is happening in our country, especially on popular political topics,” Bryan said. “He may now have compromised his role in the media.”
Bryan said the people of the Cayman Islands need clear, clean, unbiased facts and commentary to make an informed decision on how and who to vote for in the next general election.
“I think it is only right that Mr Harris explain to the people of the Cayman Islands what his position is as it pertains to political involvement with the C4C, if there is any intention by him to support any candidates or if he plans to run himself,” Bryan said, as he challenged the host to be transparent, given the C4C’s claims about integrity and transparency in government.
Bryan pointed out that the owner of Rooster, Randy Merren, is a founding member of the new political group. He said that, although the Hurley's Group has provided quality information for the people of the Cayman Islands for many years, he did not believe it "should be compromised by the actions of Mr Harris".
Category: Politics
I was disappointed this morning that Austin did not resolve this issue first thing.
It would take Kenneth's two feet to stand in one of Austin's shoes, so that leaves him 2 feet short!
IF Austin Harris was elected and IF we had a version of Saturday Night Live here – the comedy would never cease.
In one word — Goofball.
While it is anyone's right, as long as their eligible, to put themselves up for public office, I don't know that being a talk show host or a reporter is automatically identified as being suitable criteria. In my opinion Austin does a good show, he's grown well as a talk show host and Crosstalk has succeeded in encouraging public sentiments to be aired (thanks also to Barrie Sue & Elio, and of course Dorren Miller's legacy).
I believe Austin would better serve our community by remaining behind his talk show microphone. As for Kenneth Bryan, ha, ha, ha!
Has Mr. Harris declared himself as a candidate? Hasn’t he hosted a lot of public events and told the public exactly what they want to hear to get the crowd or event more energized? Have you ever listened to him speak about politics in any venue? He seems consistent in expressing his views and gives all MLA’S the facts as he things.
Would any of the other candidates or ppm and udp question his professional integrity if he had committed to either one especially after several attempts were made to get him to support or on the ticket? Isn’t it funny that having principals only matters during the campaigning season or when anybody asks the tough questions and may hold a view different from the current politicians?
What are you talking about?
If Austin has such clear ethics simply state his political intentions then there is no issue. If running for office step aside and give up the radio hosting job as a man with ethics would never be involved in a situation that is so clearly a conflict of interest.
A WISE MAN ONCE SAID: There are four kinds of people you don't want to put in office.
Those are: LITTLE MEN men with "LARGE EGOS", those who "TALKIN TOO MUCH " those
who"EAT TOO MUCH". And those who think "THEY ARE ALWAYS RIGHT".
"WATCH FOR THESE TYPES IN MAY 2013".
Heck, no need to wait; we got that bunch now!
With the highest of respect- doesnt Mr. Bryan not have a questionable past? Who is he therefore to question anyone’s integrity. With the launch of C4C I sense that the PPM has been hit with the realization and actualization that they are an opposition of no importance!! Prediction for next election: 6 seats to UDP…5 to Independents and 4 to PPM. Unfortunately, the UDP will rule for another 4 years!!!!
Can't blame PPM for being mad at C$C as they did steal their slogan.
So Kenneth is playing the same ole poly-tricks. My young friend, if youd like to secure votes, perhaps you should speak to the Islands future and how you plan to take us there. Untill then, your just another talking tool as is the other joker in the mix. And by the way, I thought you were a reporter, when did you obtain the qualifications necessary to be considered a real journalist?!
Neither will recieve my vote, as I hope is the case for anyone serious about our islands success and quality of life.
Thank you Mr. Bryan, this is an impressive start for a young politician. You did not just notice how self serving Mr. Harris has been during the last year or so, but you exposed the lack of transparency and secrecy in which he operates. I am glad that real people like Kenneth Bryan exist and can stand up for what they believe no matter what it cost!
Thanks Mom.
"country before self " would have been the more appropriate slogan for the c4c. unfortunately there isnt much more than a drop of intellectual property or original thought amoung the majority of contenders for political office in 2013. remember…follow fashion always brings broke neck and all monkeys need to remember that cardinal rule.
bryan 1 harris 0
Austin is what he is but it can't be said he is a failure however the same cannot be said about our grand leader and the so called last 2 leaders of Opposition "Aldon & Capn Kirk" who are clearly a real joke!
Ever ask what Austin did before he became a talk show host and how that worked out? If not, suggest you do so before assessing whether or not he is a success.
Diogenes I know Austin is a very hard person to get along with. Arrogant in speech, talk down to others and want to be boss of evey one and everything. I know for sure he will be a Match for Ezzard, Alden, Arden and will even try to talk down the Premier. He is a terrible talk sho host, and even Elio was warned about how he would behave, did you not listen how he would always talk down Elio when he was on the show. Austin Harris? I cannot think of a job I would put him in, besides Randy gets numerous reports about his show behavior.
First of all, we need to recognize that there is no qualifications or registration for any type of media personnel in this country. Anyone with the gift of gab can turn up and become a talk show host and instantly become an authority on everything, whether law, finance, the economy or otherwise. And there is no restriction or regulation of the content of what they say or publish and so adversely affected members of the public are left with suing for defamation as a only recourse. It is simply amazing that it is assumed by a large segment of the public, that just because these folks provide entertainment every morning for all of the whiners and complainers in this country, that they are somehow qualified to become legislators. This is exactly what is wrong with the country now. We have consistently elected those with the biggest mouths without really bothering to listen to what they are really saying or, more importantly observe what they have really done to prove their worth. While all of this talk about doing the right thing and putting the country first is fine and well, I think we should look very carefully at candidates this time round to see if they are qualified to do the job they are principally elected to do, which is legislate and lead our way forward. And lets look at their track records and see how they have performed, not what they espouse, because big mouths can say anything, especially with a good speech writer behind them.
And maybe we should take a look at other countries, do you see anywhere else electing media people to become legislators, just because their show is popular and they discuss all the important issues every day? Do you think, say, Piers Morgan would ever be elected to Senate or Congress? Or, closer to home, haven’t we already learned from electing Elio?
In my humble opinion, out of all of the individuals that have come forward so far, I see precious few that meet the standard to become legislators and leaders. Lots of them have the ability to make much noise, to stir up strife, and to promote controversy and have lots of discussion where they can purport to demonstrate their supposed prowess for all matters political, legal and economic.
So forgive me if I am not too troubled with what either Austin or Kenneth does vis a vis their jobs or media careers, because neither one (and this applies to lots more who are running for office) is qualified for the job of MLA, in my view.
One of the greatest American Presidents was previously just an actor!! President Reagan!!
Didn’t decide to stick around …. Owait ….
What is crosstalk? Who is Mr. Harris? Will I really get 6 votes?
Kenneth and Austin. Running the country? Oh Lord keep us strong…..
Austin always made me laugh when he was the sportscaster for News 27 even though it wasn’t a comedy roll.
Seriously- Who’d vote for him?
Good grief.
Did you all listen to Austin Harris talk? When he closed his eyes and spread his arms open and made the words flow so smoothly? It was THE WORST SCRIPTED moment I have ever witnessed and after seeing that I left the meeting shaking my head. Because if its him you are going to count on to be any different that the ones we got in there now… We might as well reelect the same ones. At least their evil is one we already know
if he does get in i hope he runs thing better than his talkshow……… it slike groundhog day week in week out………
little tip: try and have guests with opposing views on the show at the same time to actually debate the issues at hand….. instead of the daily he said,she said nonsesne we hear every monring….
I hope that if Mr Harris gets a seat that he will look into all of these places that is rented for a church. Seems like there are some churches or maybe one in George Town somewhere around School Lane that the Pastor tells the audience to put in their moneys in exchange for a blessing. When the people is approaching the rollover time they then go to the Pastor for their blessings, only to be told that there is no blessing. We should not allow all of these type of churches in Cayman. They also say that the mental Health Department has been getting so many mental women from these churches when they think that they will have some money and there is none.My poor ruinedCayman….
What a bunch of amateurs and morons running this place and nothing better in the future it looks like.
Now that the udp has gone through renovations and has a new facelift for the elections, I wonder what the ppm has planned.
Bully UDP If you access the whole situation, and get familiar with all those running on the PPM and C4C you will begin to see that the best of the crop is the UDP
It’s amazing to me that neither Randy nor Austin can see the possible conflict of interest this is becoming. Is this the type of spin doctoring we can expect under a C4C Administration?
Why does Austin hates Alden so much, I don't know, maybe it has something to do with his friend Foolio. Why don't he crucify McKeeva the way he does Alden, McKeeva is our problem, pressure him NOT Alden. For the last 4 years he has been harassing Alden to give him solutions, just sohe can add those solutions to his own agenda and say its his. Frank McField too! he is always picking a fight with Alden, but Thank God Alden is no fool. Don't let them break your will or your stance Alden. The issues lies with the maggits eating us up here in Cayman and still sitting in the LA trying to see how much more they can spend, before they are voted out. Keep your Faith Alden and stay strong, your Country needs you.
I think it's because Austin sees Alden for what he is – a power-hungry megalomaniac who will say anything to get a vote. He'd have fit right in on the Romney campaign trail, and we all know how that ended.
Who is foolio?
Pay attention and try to keep now will ya?
"Keep your faith Alden and stay srong,your country needs you."…………friend you need to check yourself into rehab,that stuff that you are sniffing and smoking is destroying your precious mind,Alden and the PPM needs to go just like their rivals the now infamous UDP!
Yes, Harris does indeed have the worst case of "Verbal Diarreah" or as Gilly would say 'Verbal Bovine Scatology" as I have ever witnessed.
Ok Kenneth, even if Austin has an interest in running for the House, PLEASE dont try to PRE-Tarnish his character by setting the tone as he is a dishonest man. As far as MANY are concerned, Mr. Harris would be one of the TRUE STATESMEN in our political History. Now what would be GREAT is that IF you Mr. Kenneth Bryan, are going to run the race, then for YOU to be that TRUE Statesman we SO DESPERATELY NEED for our failing country AND to run WITH Mr. Austin Harris on the ticket. Things MIGHT be a bit better here in these here Cayman Islands.
Where is Ezzard on this issue? Clearly a candidate using the daily radio as their personal bully pulpit is a conflict of interest at best and shows their judgment worth questioning in terms of equity.
What do you think Ezzard does on every Tuesday…You are really funny!!!!
Hazard only objects when it suits him…although this may be wrong it works to his benefit.
Don't be fooled by his honest Abe act!
Another Muppet?Fozzie Bear?
All garbage
Austin relies so heavily on CNS it will be very interesting to see if this one makes the headlines on rooster tomorrow …. Doubtful! Also, lets see how his buddy Wendy pushes this story to page 4. It is about time Austin got a reality check, he thinks people listen to be informed … When in reality we listen to start our day with humour and to see what daft thing Austin will say …..CERTAINLY your time has come Austin..declare your biases and stop pretending to be objective or a journalist.
But that is Austin Harris, It is either his way or the High Way, He thinks he is Top Dog, Top Host and definately will want to be the Boss and speaker of the LA, Yes I agree he will be a big match for Alden, Arden and Ezzard. Cannot wait to seethe Expats run for cover.
I dont know about squealing, but he does sniff and snort on air a lot. Or is he just trying to imitate Kurt?
Run Austin run!
Sounds to me like CNS supports Kenneth's position – but CNS also provides Austin with his news bulletin content each day …. tangled webs indeed.
CNS: Just to be clear, Austin reads the news from CNS, andin that sense we "provide his news bulletin" but we are not paid for it.
CNS provides information to the public in a professional manner. Public will make judgements. Some morans do not understand this. Specially WB weedheads…… Oh my god……..
CNS : Therefore will Austin be reading this piece Thursday morning? Should be interesting.
You should start chargin him then – because teh perception is already there!
Once again Mr Bryan is proving to be an honorable individual. He has a strong point and all media should take a lesson from this. Mr. Bryan, keep up the good work, your doing well.
That should be "you're" (you are). A common error.
I would like to join my colleague Kenneth Bryan in insisting that Mr. Harris make his position clear for all the reasons contained within Mr. Bryans letter. I do not think that it is necessary for me to point out the many reasons why it is dangerous to have someone who is known, respected and relied upon as an unbiased, impartial journalist and talk show host, to be influenced by any one political group, especially when one considers that 3 days out of the week Crosstalk features the major players in Caymanian politics and quite often the other days also have a political contribution or two.
The public turns to the Crosstalk show for reliable, factual, and timely information relating to the political events in this country and when this becomes tarnished with bias the end result will create more division and apathy and will do more harm than good.
I have no issue with Mr. Harris following his political calling as I, and others, have chosen to do, and indeed so has Mr. Bryan, but Mr. Bryan has chosen to maintain his credibility by resigning from his job as a news reporter. In my opinion there was less opportunity for Mr. Bryan to unduly influence the public’s view of the political landscape but he still chose the honorable path and resigned from his job.
The Progressives spend several hours with Mr. Harris every Wednesday and we have noticed that the tone of the show has changed over the past several weeks. I have heard Mr. Harris push the recently unveiled "independent agenda" and seek to condemn the parties with no regard for his obvious conflict of interest reducing the morning talk show to no more that tabloid status. How is this fair and transparent journalism?
If the Coalition are presenting themselves as the answer to Caymans political problems it appears they have already gotten off to a bad start.
1. They claim to not be running candidates but many individuals report having been approached to join them as candidates.
2. They manipulate the Roosters content to the extent that it cannot be relied on for anything more than entertainment in the morning.
I am happy that Mr Gilbert remains on the show, his presence gives me some hope that the shows credibility could possibly be salvaged
Al Suckoo Jr
Al, I can't believe you mention Gilbert and "credibility" in the same sentence. You are aware that we in Bodden Town consider him to be a spanish machete aren't you? Always willing to change his views to suit the prevailing winds if it will give him a shot at getting elected.
16:22 Really? Oh dear me Gilly? they calling you a spanish machette. That is not good. For one I hate a spanish machette because it has two sides, and it can chop you when you are looking, and chop you when you are not. A very dangerous weapon.
Now Gilly, you have to blunt down one side of that machette. Stand up, stick to and hold on to a handle with one side sharpen, I believe you will be trusted more.
At least he wasnt out paying people for their votes. I hear some people received as much as $10,000 for theirs.
I have to agree with Bryan and Suckoo. But that is Austin Harris, and you will have alot more to learn about how he deals with people. Not good at all. Talk about McKeeva Bush, being strong headed, but I will tell you one thing, get Austin Harris in the House and see who wants to be Top Dog. All like Arden and Ezzard is no match for Austin I am sure. I just cannot wait to see what happens if any of them get in. Cayman gone to Hell.
Well said Al.
Al, for sanity's sake, what part of "Hurley's Entertainment" don't you understand? It's show business, baby, and all about getting people to listen in (to the ads) and make money. You want to use it to push your own agenda (for free) but expect something entirely unrealistic at the same time. It 'aint the BBC, it's a show for crying out loud, so start treating it as such and get with the real world. Anyone listening to Rooster for anything but a bit of entertainment – which it deliveres by the bucketful – is living in a fantasy world.
If you do not believe there is a willing following of loyal talk radio faithful then you are mistaken. Let me assure you that the politicians run to that program, except McKeeva, to get their opportunity to spin the world to their positions. Rooster has turned Ezzard from the MLA of the smallest district with 500 total voters to a national force.
The radio host position has already parlayed the job into a MLA victory so be aware. If a current host plans political office they need to step up and get off the air waves.
Why would anyone be so utterly stupid and vote for another radio host? We see what a disaster it turned out to be when the other one was voted in!
Anyone ever notices that Austin just agrees with whoever he has as a guest that day? Come on folks – the guys flip/flops around according to how the wind blows that day.
Al- do you really think that you, Kenneth OR Austin stand any chance to win a seat in the next election??? If you do, you seriously need to get to Miami for psychiatric help? I voted PPM in 2009 and in 2013- will look to see who else is available as my confidence in PPM has been desseminated.
I don’t know about the other two but I will be supporting Al Suckoo this election. It’s about time we had people like him in the house.
Harris – Credibility – ?
The Slogan Country First is quite appropriate.
Kenneth did the honorable thing and resigned his steady job for the opportunity to represent the people of his district. This sort of sacrifice is extremely rare in politics and very commendable.
On tHe other hand we have Austin not willing to do the same.
Who is putting Country First? Actions or Words?
The Slogan Country First is quite appropriate.
Kenneth did the honorable thing and resigned his steady job for the opportunity to represent the people of his district. This sort of sacrifice is extremely rare in politics and very commendable.
On tHe other hand we have Austin not willing to do the same.
Who is putting Country First? Actions or Words?
Austin's rant this morning in which he tried to "crucify" Alden was out of his mentor Ellio's playbook. Contemplate running and use free air time as long as possible. As they say the pig that sqeals is the one that got stuck. Hopefully people wont get fooled this time.
I hope the people are not fooled this time around. Many of them are jumping over the side of the fence looking for new grass, but what a shock they all will get to find out that the grass they are seeing is just a pile of bush cut down low.
Me I am sticking to what I know, and that is UDP. Expatriates against the Premier Bush, are going to get the shock of their life next election. They do not like the Premier, but they all have a big C4C shock coming. By school is out in September, most of them will be wanting to leave.
Nonsense…
You must be Austin's gagged alter ego with a comment that short.
I just hope if he runs and gets he won't hog up all the time in the LA like he does on the air. No one can get a word in for him. I know talk show hosts have to chat, but he is a bit embarrassing at times. He will have people on the show trying to sell an idea, or promote their business but they cannot even talk about their products. I 've never heard anyone who like the sound of his own voice the way he does.
Indeed, and they do say every dog loves the sound of its own bark. Austin really needs some kind of coaching. I'd prescribe a shock collar after every six words. It'd concentrate Austin's mind on the need for brevity and do him the world of good. I like the guy, he just talks too much. Elio was the same. Is it something in the water, maybe, down at Rooster?