Canberra: Australia has committed over AU$68 million over the next five years to enhance and expand the broadcasting and media sector’s engagement across the Indo-Pacific region.
As part of the Indo-Pacific broadcasting strategy, the ABC will receive over $40 million to increase its content focused on the Pacific, expand Radio Australia’s FM transmission reach throughout the region, and enhance its media and training initiatives.
Additionally, the PacificAus TV program will be allocated over $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 connections among people.
It focuses on three key areas:
– Supporting the creation and distribution of engaging Australian content that demonstrates Australia’s commitment to the region.
– Enhancing access to trusted media sources in the region, including news and current affairs.
– Strengthening regional media capacity 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 highlighting the voices and perspectives of the region and strengthening democracy. Wong affirmed the Australian government’s commitment to supporting resilient and independent media in the region.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, emphasized the close cultural and personal ties between Australia and the Pacific, as well as a shared love of sport. He noted that these connections will be enriched by the increase in Australian content, allowing shared stories to be experienced across the region, from rugby to news and music.
Conroy also mentioned that Australia will continue to support media development, including through the new phase of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) and future opportunities through the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership.