Incoming President Kalafi Moala shares insights on the history and future of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA). The 2023 Pacific Islands Media Freedom (PIMF) Index, released by the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF), highlighted significant challenges facing regional media. Respondents to the report identified the economic costs of maintaining operations and social-cultural pressures as the most pressing issues. Political and legal challenges followed closely.
The PIMF Index marks a notable initiative aimed at refocusing attention on media freedom in the region, underscoring its critical role in storytelling and transformation. In an editorial, PFF Forum Chair Robert Luke Iroga emphasized their commitment to upholding the rights to freedom of expression and information, as outlined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Recent trends show that media is increasingly influenced by financial interests, raising concerns about the independence of journalism in the Pacific. With rising corporate and geopolitical funding, there is a risk that media priorities could be overshadowed by monetary interests rather than truth.
Moala critiques the “arranged marriages” between media organizations and funding agencies, which often detract from indigenous media governance. He points out that strategic plans are frequently dictated by external forces rather than local needs. The surge in funding from Western nations is linked to geopolitical rivalries, particularly regarding China, raising questions about the autonomy of island nations in determining their partnerships.
While recognizing that funding is essential for media development, Moala insists that it must never come at the cost of independence or the integrity of core values. True partnerships should align with the region’s goals and serve the community’s interests.
The importance of media independence is crucial, as without it, the essence of freedom is diminished. The narratives of the Pacific often originate from external viewpoints, influencing how local cultures and stories are perceived. Children grow up learning about their heritage from these outsider narratives, which often lack genuine understanding.
Historically, outsiders have dominated information production, leading to a disconnect between local stories and authentic representation. Many current media efforts cater to international audiences more than local communities, complicating the mission of conveying Pacific narratives.
Despite PINA’s establishment fifty years ago to serve media across the Pacific, representation remains uneven. Recent gatherings, such as the Niue Summit, highlighted the lack of representation from Polynesia and Micronesia, alongside notable absences that underscore the need for greater inclusivity.
Looking forward, PINA must prioritize outreach and relationship-building within the region. This involves conducting subregional meetings to enhance media capacity and collaborating with emerging regional organizations to advance Pacific media.
The participation of leaders from Pacific media networks in Niue reflects a commitment to fostering connections among Pacific populations abroad. Collaboration, rather than control, will be key to nurturing a peaceful and vibrant region.
Kalafi Moala, who founded Tonga’s first independent newspaper and currently manages the online platform Talanoa ‘o Tonga, was elected President of PINA in September 2024. His reflections are his own and do not represent the views of this publication.
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