Addressing the challenges facing the struggling media sector in the Pacific continues to be a significant issue. This was highlighted by Stanley Simpson, the general secretary of the Fiji Media Association, at the conclusion of the 7th PINA Media Summit in Niue.
Simpson, who led a delegation of nearly 20 media professionals from Fiji, expressed that the discussions were a valuable opportunity for Fiji and other participating nations to discuss the difficulties they face in sustaining their various media platforms.
“We have clearly identified key challenges for Pacific media, particularly the need to remain operational and invest in media infrastructure. It’s essential for the media to deliver content that keeps our communities informed in this rapidly evolving environment,” he stated.
He appreciated the chance to connect with regional colleagues who share similar struggles, citing ongoing challenges of solidarity and survival within a small and competitive media landscape.
Fred Wesley, editor-in-chief of The Fiji Times and a member of the PINA board, concurred that difficulties are particularly pronounced in the print media sector. He emphasized the necessity for strategic plans to ensure the industry’s longevity, acknowledging worldwide trends that regard the newspaper industry as declining.
“This is a reality we also face in the Pacific. We need to examine the situation of smaller newspaper companies in nations like Palau, Niue, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Samoa, as they encounter analogous challenges,” Wesley remarked.
He concluded by underscoring that the PINA board is actively working on strategies to help the sector remain viable.