Incoming President of the Pacific Islands News Association, Kalafi Moala, shares insights on the past and future of the organization. The recently released Pacific Islands Media Freedom (PIMF) Index 2023 by the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) highlights the challenges facing media in the region. According to the report, respondents ranked the economic pressures of maintaining operations and socio-cultural challenges as the most significant issues for Pacific newsrooms, followed by political and legal hurdles.
The PIMF Index’s release during the Niue Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Summit is praised for its focus on media freedom, which is crucial for authentic storytelling and its transformative impact. PFF Forum Chair Robert Luke Iroga emphasized the commitment to uphold Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which advocates for freedom of expression and information.
The landscape of regional media is changing, with major corporations often dictating editorial content, which raises concerns that financial motivations may overshadow the pursuit of truth. As media freedom sees improvement across the region, there is a troubling increase in dependence on corporate and geopolitical funding.
Moala criticized the problematic relationships between PINA and funding organizations, cautioning against a rise in influence over media associations by these agencies. He warns that substantial Western funding is increasingly linked to geopolitical competition in the Pacific, suggesting that controlling media narratives could impact the sovereignty of island nations.
While funding is essential for media development, Moala stresses that it must not compromise media independence or core values. There is a pressing need for partnerships that align with the objectives of serving the region, preserving the independence of local media, and ensuring that their portrayal reflects their true essence, rather than relying on external narratives shaped by outsiders.
Outsiders have historically dominated the flow of information in the Pacific, and these narratives often misrepresent local cultures and issues. The prioritization of foreign audiences in media coverage continues to overshadow the needs and perspectives of local populations.
PINA’s mission, which has been ongoing for 50 years, is still not fully realized as significant portions of the Pacific remain unrepresented within the association. Moala noted the lack of participation from regions such as Polynesia and Micronesia at the recent summit, highlighting a gap that must be addressed in the coming year.
To foster inclusivity, PINA must engage in outreach efforts to unite underrepresented media from across the Pacific. This will involve conducting subregional gatherings and partnering with emerging organizations to strengthen media capabilities moving forward.
The Niue Summit also welcomed representatives from Pacific media networks in Auckland and Brisbane, indicating a commitment to uniting media across the diaspora. Collaboration, rather than control, is vital for building a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
This article is part two of a series exploring the Pacific Islands News Association’s 50 years of existence. Kalafi Moala, who founded Tonga’s first independent newspaper and currently manages Talanoa ‘o Tonga, was elected PINA President in September 2024. The opinions expressed are his own.
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