Dwight Whylie
- PBCJ AV Library
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Innovator in Broadcasting and Advocate for Media Integrity
Dwight Emerson Gregory, brother of noted Jamaican musician Marjorie Whylie, was a pioneering broadcaster and radio announcer whose significant contributions to the media landscape marked him as a trailblazer in Jamaica, the wider Caribbean, Canada, and England. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Mr. Whylie's journey in the realm of broadcasting began when he made history in 1961 as the first Black radio announcer hired by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). As a member of the corporation’s domestic services in London, he not only broke racial barriers but also forged a path for future generations of broadcasters.
His career took a transformative turn when he returned to Jamaica in the early 1970s. In 1973, he was appointed the General Manager of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), where he continued to influence the media narrative. His leadership was highlighted by a commitment to socially responsible broadcasting. Faced with increasing concerns about the impact of violent films on society, Mr. Whylie initiated a self-censorship agreement involving key stakeholders in the film industry, demonstrating his dedication to public welfare.
This noteworthy decision underscored his belief that media organizations have a profound responsibility to their audiences. During his tenure at JBC, he displayed not only administrative acumen but also compassion. Notable was his heroic intervention when he assisted in rescuing a distressed woman from a transmission tower, illustrating his character and dedication to the community. However, a conflict with the board led to his departure from JBC in June 1976, prompting his move to Canada.
In Canada, Dwight Whylie further solidified his influence in the media landscape as he began working with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and TV Ontario. He became the first Black announcer for the CBC, where he served for 20 years, eventually rising to the position of news editor within CBC National Radio News before retiring in 1996. His dedication to journalism was marked by his continued education; he received a fellowship to study broadcast journalism at the University of Chicago, further enhancing his expertise and credibility.
His impact went beyond traditional broadcasting roles. He was a committed educator, teaching broadcasting techniques in various regions, including New York and several Caribbean islands. He played a crucial role in nurturing emerging talent in journalism throughout the Caribbean, serving as Vice President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) and the Caribbean Advertisers Association. His commitment to professional standards in broadcasting culminated in his position as Chief Judge for the Caribbean Broadcasting Awards, where he helped uplift the quality of media output across the region.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Whylie also engaged in significant regulatory work as the Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission in Jamaica. He presided over the development of the Children’s Code for Programming, a foundational document establishing comprehensive content standards for broadcast and cable services in the region—a testament to his forward-thinking approach to media and child protection.
In March 2001, he took on the role of observer during the intensively contested general elections in Guyana, a further demonstration of his engagement with pressing societal issues. Tragically, his vibrant life and prolific career were cut short when he passed away in September 2002 in Barbados, shortly after completing his duties as chief judge at an annual media competition organized by the CBU.
Dwight Whylie’s legacy as a pioneering broadcaster, educator, and media advocate continues to resonate across Jamaica, the Caribbean, Canada and England. His unwavering commitment to responsible broadcasting and media ethics laid a foundation that not only shaped the media industry of his time but also inspired future generations of media professionals. His contributions to the field remain etched in the annals of broadcasting history, serving as a guiding beacon for those who aspire to follow in his impactful footsteps.
