As the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) joins the global media sector in marking World Press Freedom Day 2026 it welcomes to its membership three new members.

First to successfully apply in 2026 for membership is Compass TV, a member of the Compass Media group based in the Cayman Islands. 

The television service has become a full member of the CBU and has gotten off to a flying start by submitting entries to the 37^th CBU Media Awards.

Barbados is the home of the second addition to the CBU member roll – DigitalShark Inc. The new associate member is a content production and media licensing company that creates programming for regional and international distribution.

Also coming on board as an associate CBU member is the Cayman Islands Government Department of Communications. 

The DoC is committed to keeping the community informed about “Government policies, services and initiatives.”  The Department has also made its first entry into the CBU Media Awards and is hoping to be called up to the stage during the Awards Gala taking place in Georgetown, Guyana on August 19, 2026.

CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene, highlighted the significance of the expanded membership.  He noted, “this is evidence of the continued relevance of the CBU, particularly at a time when the Caribbean media sector is facing increasing challenges.  But through collaboration and joint advocacy via the CBU, the broad spectrum of stakeholders in Caribbean media are able to speak in critical forums and together find solutions fit for purpose in our region.”

The newest CBU members join a grouping of nearly three dozen media houses, educational institutions, regulators, and independent producers who collectively offer programme sharing, capacity building, policy advice and other sectoral development activities in the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish Caribbean.

World Press Freedom Day 2026

On May 5, the CBU will mark World Press Freedom Day with a Webinar under the UNESCO -designated theme “Shaping a Future at Peace”.  The event, beginning at 10.30 AM AST (11.30 AM SUR/ 9.30 AM JA/ 8.30 AM BZE will place the focus on media viability.  Through the event, participants are expected to gain a better understanding of the key factors affecting public sector and independent media services viability and pathways to improved resilience of the sector.

The event presenters include UNESCO Caribbean Representative, Mr. Eric Falt, CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene, Executive Director, Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica Mr. Cordel Green, Past President of CARICHAM, Ms Petipha Lewis, CEO of Media InSite, Ms. Allison Demas and Senior Lecturer at the Caribbean School of Media & Communication at the University of the West Indies Dr. Livingston White.  The moderator will be CBU Immediate Past President Dr. Claire Grant