Incoming President Kalafi Moala shares insights on the past and future of the Pacific Islands News Association. The Pacific Islands Media Freedom (PIMF) Index 2023, released by the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF), highlights significant challenges facing regional media. Survey respondents identified the economic sustainability and socio-cultural pressures as the top two challenges for newsrooms, followed by political and legal issues.
The PIMF Index’s inaugural release at the Niue Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Summit is a commendable effort to refocus Pacific media on the critical importance of media freedom, which is essential for effective storytelling. In an editorial, PFF Forum Chair Robert Luke Iroga stressed the organization’s commitment to uphold the principles of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines freedom of expression and information as fundamental human rights.
In recent times, the influence of large corporations over media has raised concerns, leading to a shift from truth-driven reporting toward a focus on income. As media freedom improves regionally, reliance on corporate and geopolitical funding has increased. The ties between PINA and funding agencies require scrutiny, as do the relationships between donors and media outlets, framed under the guise of capacity building and media development.
There have been instances where funding agencies have assumed control of media associations, crafting strategic plans that do not originate from the islands themselves but rather from countries like Australia, the USA, or New Zealand. The surge in funding from Western nations is closely linked to growing geopolitical competition in the Pacific, which may jeopardize the independence of island nations in selecting their partners.
While funding is essential for media development, it should not come at the expense of independence and core values. Accepting funding must not mean sacrificing autonomy; partnerships should align with shared objectives focused on serving the region.
The independence of the media is vital and must be maintained. Independence and media freedom are interconnected; the loss of one entails the loss of the other, preventing the media from fulfilling its purpose and effectively supporting the population.
Traditionally, the narratives of the Pacific have been shaped by outsiders, impacting how the region and its culture are perceived. This dynamic has shaped the understanding of our children about their identities and heritage based on interpretations by those unfamiliar with local life.
Outsiders historically controlled the flow of information due to their ownership of information systems across education, media, religion, and various sectors of governance. This control often continues to leverage colonial structures, leading to narratives dictated by external influences rather than local storytellers.
Donors aiming to develop Pacific media often prioritize how Pacific stories are communicated externally rather than fostering internal communication. As news primarily caters to external audiences, local perspectives are frequently sidelined, creating a business model reliant on outside markets.
PINA was established to support media across the Pacific, yet 50 years later, significant portions of the region remain unrepresented in its activities. The recent Niue Summit highlighted not only the participants but also the absence of key representatives, particularly from Polynesia and Micronesia.
Prominently absent were individuals from New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and various other Pacific locales. The next twelve months should focus on inclusivity and bridging gaps, ensuring that underrepresented voices are integrated into PINA’s initiatives.
To achieve this, PINA needs to conduct regional gatherings to foster stronger media connections and collaborate with emerging organizations. The participation of leaders like Don Mann from the Pacific Media Network and representatives from Pacific TV showed promise in connecting Pacific media across countries.
By collaborating genuinely without imposing control, there is potential to create a more cohesive region that fosters peace and enriches lives.
Leave a comment