Veteran media broadcaster Dave Lester Payne was among several media personalities honoured at the first annual Island Groove Awards ceremony held last Thursday, recognizing his decades of service to Antigua and Barbuda’s media landscape.
The awards ceremony, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Gospel Music and Media Awards (ABGMA), celebrated outstanding achievements in radio and entertainment across the twin-island nation, with several programmes under NewsCo Ltd receiving recognition in various radio categories, including Payne’s “Connecting with Dave Lester Payne” show.
In an interview, Payne expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition of his work.
“I’d like to say a very special thank you to the organisers for remembering me for an award like this. Of course, I’m rather grateful for the work over the years. I’m rather thankful, you know, it’s work but of course, thanks for showing your appreciation,” Payne said.
When asked about his future plans in the industry, Payne indicated that retirement is on the horizon, though he remains committed to his craft for the time being.
“I’m looking to retire. I mean, that’s not many years coming, you know. But of course, it’s what it is. I enjoy what I’m doing. So as long as I feel good doing it, I’ll continue to do so. And this could not happen without, of course, the general public spurring me on and letting me feel wanted,” he said.
The media veteran offered advice to emerging journalists and broadcasters, emphasizing the importance of formal education and dedication to the profession.
“There’s a lot to learn. And of course, you need to keep your eyes to the ground. Study your craft. My advice will be, find a university, find some place to go, and get a degree in broadcasting and journalism, because that will get you to the point where you want to get to,” Payne stated.
Reflecting on the evolution of media since he began his career, Payne expressed concern about the current state of radio broadcasting.
” What it is today, it’s a bunch of copycats as far as radio is concerned. Radio is not like the way it used to be. Radio was personal. It was emotional. It was educational. Today we just go, we play music, and we figure that’s it,” he said.
Looking to the future of local media, Payne emphasized the importance of integrity and truth-seeking in journalism.
“Local media should always be honest, and of course they should strive for the truth. When you need to investigate something, don’t let anyone stop you from getting at the truth. The truth cannot change. We need to do more work and be responsible to the nation or the people you’re serving. News is news. Don’t compromise. The truth is the truth no matter what,” Payne advised.
