Who owns Cayman News Service?

I actually have a question about CNS. With the election coming up next year, I think it is important for the community to know who controls the media. So, in the spirit of full disclosure, can you tell us who really owns CNS?

---

Auntie’s answer: I am glad you asked this question because, to be honest, it is a bit exasperating to have to fend off all the various rumours and conspiracy theories about the “true” owners of Cayman News Service. The truth is that CNS has only two shareholders, Nicky Watson and Wendy Ledger. There is no one else somehow lurking in the background holding any purse strings or calling any shots. Full stop. End of story.

While the lack of investors means CNS operates in a barebones office with a small staff, the upside is that it is totally independent (though completely reliant on advertising). Despite these limited resources, CNS provides a 24/7 online news outlet, one that does not answer to any supposedly secret backer, political party or any other non-existent source of financing.

It also offers free services to the public like the FreeCayAds Notice Board and the CNS Library, where documents collected during reporting are stored for the public to use.

I will step back down off my soapbox now, but I would be very interested to see your question asked of the other media organisations in Cayman.

Category: Ask Auntie