PINA media summit 2024 in Niue Photo: Stefan Armbruster
Today, May 3, marks World Press Freedom Day, a global reminder of the essential role media freedom plays in upholding democracy and accountability.
This year's theme, "Strengthening Media Independence and Sustainability," resonates deeply across the Pacific, where journalists face challenges ranging from political pressure and staff shortages to gender inequality and cyberbullying.
Despite these obstacles, Pacific journalists continue to speak truth to power while sharing the inspiring stories of their communities.
In honour of today, media organisations throughout the Pacific are hosting events over the course of today and next week that reflect the region's media resilience and commitment to free, independent journalism.
Closing night of the 2024 PINA media summit on Niue - Esther Pavihi (sitting) the Director for BCN TV Niue, Makereta Komai, Manager and Editor in Chief Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Leilani Ngirturong Reklai Editor of the Island Times Palau. Photo: Stefan Armbruster
Marshall Islands
This year marks a milestone for the Marshall Islands, as they celebrate World Press Freedom Day for the first time. An event at the Marshall Islands Resort's Lomalo Room will feature the "Telling My Pacific Story" Short Film Competition, sponsored by the Pacific Media Institute.
The evening will include the Media Freedom Award, and up to four filmmakers who best capture the importance of media freedom in the Pacific will be awarded upwards of USD$4,000 in prizes.
Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea, the Media Council of PNG (MCPNG) is hosting the inaugural PNG Media Summit today.
The summit will address key issues such as AI growth, media ethics, the role of women in journalism, and the future of media in the region. MCPNG will also revive the PNG Media Awards, recognising the achievements of media workers across the country.
Solomon Islands
In the Solomon Islands, the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) will host a regional hybrid event on May 5, aligned with this year's theme.
Organised in partnership with the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), the event will feature panel discussions on the role of civil society in media independence and the economic challenges facing local journalism. Speakers will include representatives from Transparency Solomon Islands, the Solomon Broadcasting Corporation, and other local outlets.
Fiji and Samoa
Lagi Keresoma, president of Samoa's national media association, JAWS. Photo: Stefan Armbruster
The Fijian Media Association will host an event in Suva on May 8 to reflect on four decades of media freedom in Fiji, documenting the progress, challenges, and milestones of Fijian journalism.
In Samoa, the Journalist Association of Western Samoa (JAWS) will hold a series of events next week, including a panel discussion on media codes and ethics.
These discussions will be broadcast on NUSTV, Radio 2AP, TV9, Radio Polynesia, and TV1, offering the public a chance to engage with media professionals.
As today marks the annual celebrations of media freedom, the regional events highlight the media's commitment to media freedom, and their role in upholding transparent, strong avenues of media.
Co-chairs of the Pacific Freedom Forum Photo: Stefan Armbruster
Pacific media groups
Robert Iroga, co-chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF, said "we commend and support the many independent and investigative journalists across our region who are braving complex challenges as they serve the public interest, without fear or favour."
We also marked a significant milestone for our region, setting a baseline set of Pacific media freedom indicators [https://pacificfreedomforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Pacific-Islands-Media-Freedom-Index-and-Report_2023_lr2.pdf which is led For Us, By Us, and About Us, Iroga said
"The indicators and survey highlighted challenges and issues with a Pacific media freedom lens, and many of its key findings on media freedom have also been reflected in a PacMAS state of the media report launched."
The President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Kalafi Moala said "we in the Pacific stand together to defend and promote the right to freedom of expression-now facing new and complex challenges in the age of
Artificial Intelligence (AI)."
"AI is changing the way we gather, share, and consume information. It offers exciting tools that can help journalists work faster and reach more people, even across our scattered islands. But AI also brings serious risks. It can be used to spread misinformation, silence voices, and make powerful tech companies," he said.
"We must not allow AI to weaken media freedom, independence, or diversity in our region. Instead, we must ensure that new technologies serve our people, respect our voices, and support the role of journalism in democracy and development," Moala said.
Panel members of a Press Freedom plenary during the 7th PINA media summit on Niue - (left to right) President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Kalafi Moala, Robert Iroga, co-chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum, Lillyrose Welwel President of the Vanuatu Media Association, and President of the Media Council of PNG, Neville Choi. Photo: Stefan Armbruster
