Canberra: Australia has announced more than AU$68 million over the next five years to strengthen and expand its broadcasting and media sector engagement across the Indo-Pacific.
As part of the Indo-Pacific broadcasting strategy, the ABC will receive just over AU$40 million to increase its content for and about the Pacific, expand Radio Australia’s FM transmission footprint across the region, and enhance its media and training activities.
Additionally, the PacificAus TV program will receive over AU$28 million to provide commercial Australian content free of charge to broadcasters in the Pacific.
The strategy aims to foster a vibrant and independent media sector, counter misinformation, present a modern multicultural Australia, and support deeper people-to-people engagement.
It focuses on three key areas:
– Supporting the creation and distribution of compelling Australian content that engages audiences and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to the region
– Enhancing access in the region to trusted sources of media, including news and current affairs
– Strengthening regional media capacity and capability and boosting connections between Australian-based and Indo-Pacific media and content creators
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that media plays a crucial role in elevating the voices and perspectives of the region and strengthening democracy. She emphasized the Australian government’s commitment to supporting viable, resilient, and independent media in the region.
The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, noted that Australia and the Pacific share close cultural and people-to-people links, as well as a love of sport. Conroy added that these connections will be further enriched by the boost in Australian content, allowing shared stories to be enjoyed across the region, from rugby to news and music.
Australia will continue and expand support for media development through the new phase of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) and future opportunities via the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership.