Canberra: Australia has committed more than AU$68 million over the next five years to bolster the broadcasting and media sector’s engagement throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Under the new Indo-Pacific broadcasting strategy, the ABC is set to receive over $40 million to enhance its content focused on the Pacific, expand Radio Australia’s FM transmission across the region, and boost its media training activities.
Additionally, the PacificAus TV programme will be allocated over $28 million to provide commercial Australian content free of charge to broadcasters within the Pacific.
This strategy aims to create a robust and independent media sector, counteract misinformation, showcase a modern multicultural Australia, and foster closer people-to-people connections.
The strategy prioritizes three main areas:
– Supporting the development and distribution of engaging Australian content that builds audience connections and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to the region.
– Increasing access to reliable media sources, including news and current affairs.
– Strengthening regional media capabilities and enhancing links between Australian and Indo-Pacific media and content creators.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the important role media plays in amplifying regional voices and perspectives and supporting democracy. She affirmed the Australian government’s dedication to fostering a sustainable, resilient, and independent media landscape in the region.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, highlighted the close cultural and people-to-people ties between Australia and the Pacific, noting the shared enthusiasm for sports. He expressed that the increase in Australian content would enrich these connections, allowing for shared stories across the region, spanning from rugby to news and music.
Conroy also stated that Australia will continue and expand its support for media development, including through the new phase of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) and future initiatives under the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership.