Saying goodbye

Karen Blair, Features Writer

In April 2011, James resigned from doing 'The Business Day', 'Business Review' and 'Financial Week' on TVJ. The experience, he says, was good and he made the decision, though an emotionally difficult one, one that had to be taken as he wanted to proceed on a path of total ownership of his intellectual property.

"I want to pay tribute to the RJR Group which joined me in taking a big risk. I was a known media manager, not a broadcaster, but I went in, made an offer, they took it and both of us contributed to the success. They gave me the airwaves, I used it creatively and designed two programmes which have become very successful for the station and enhanced shareholder value, something I strongly believe in. I was a net earner for TVJ. I don't burn bridges. I build them, so I am happy", James says.

What does the future hold?

"I was approached by one of Jamaica's most successful entrepreneurs, Michael Lee-Chin, to partner in a symbiotic venture that suited my new business model and entrepreneurial spirit, and the fruits of that partnership will be on show soon," James quips.

The business community is buzzing with the advent of James' new daily television programme and much more which will hit the airwaves soon. An excited James has revealed that the programme has garnered such interest that he managed to secure 150 per cent sponsorship within 36 hours of asking. "The business community has spoken," Owen James says philosophically.

Jamaica anticipates yet another masterpiece.