THE reliability, or otherwise, of social media as a source of news was central to a debate that featured contributions by students from seven of the Island’s secondary schools.
Organised by the Rotary Club and named after the renowned economist who was a stalwart Rotarian, the Colin Powell Peace Debate featured contributions around the BBC motto that “Nation shall speak peace unto Nation”.
Matthew Price, executive producer for BBC Jersey, gave the keynote address at the start of a debate about whether or not traditional media outlets remained relevant in a changing world where social media and citizen journalists were increasingly significant.
The debate in the States Assembly was chaired by the Bailiff, Robert MacRae and featured contributions by Grainville, Hautlieu and Les Quennevais Schools as well as Victoria College, Jersey College for Girls, De La Salle College and Beaulieu Convent School.
States Members, teachers and relatives of those participating were among an appreciative audience in the public gallery.
At the conclusion of the debate, a motion that “social media may be inaccurate and promote conflict, but it is replacing more trusted sources of news” was adopted by a margin of 32 votes to nine.
Rotarian and former Chief Minister Kristina Moore presented the Colin Powell trophy for best presentation to the team from Jersey College for Girls.
