A perspective from Kalafi Moala, the incoming President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), highlights the significance of the recent 7th PINA Summit held in Niue. Participants agreed that Niue was an ideal host for the event, which brings together journalists, media practitioners, and partners every two years in various Pacific locations. The 2024 summit stood out for its exceptional hospitality.
The summit featured plenary sessions, training workshops, side events, and tours of Niue, affectionately known as “the rock.” The smooth execution of the event was ensured through the collaboration of the PINA board, its secretariat, and the Niue government. Notable attendees included Speaker of Parliament Hema Douglas and Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi, who actively engaged in discussions. Unfortunately, Michael Jackson of the Niue Star, who invited PINA to Niue during the 2022 Honiara Summit, could not attend due to illness.
The Summit saw participation from eighty PINA members representing eleven Pacific nations, celebrating both PINA’s 50th anniversary since its founding in 1974 and Niue’s 50th anniversary as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. Kalafi Moala, visiting Niue for the first time, expressed his surprise at the development level of the nation compared to other small Pacific islands. Niue, with a size similar to Tongatapu but only 1,681 residents, is described as debt-free, offering free healthcare and education, while maintaining the lowest crime rate in the region.
This peaceful environment fostered meaningful discussions among media leaders and journalists regarding the challenges facing the media landscape and the steps needed to strengthen journalistic practices. While the conference’s structured program featured significant meetings and training, attendees found the greatest value in renewing friendships, sharing stories, and learning from one another.
PINA was formally established in September 1974, following an informal network formed at the first Pacific Islands editors’ conference in Suva, Fiji. The founding committee included influential figures from various Pacific nations, and by 1985, PINA had elected its first executives and initiated annual conferences. Over the past five decades, PINA has played a crucial role in shaping media practices in the Pacific region, merging with the Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association in 2004 to strengthen its position as the premier media association.
The importance of the media’s watchdog role has been highlighted throughout PINA’s history, especially during the formative years of newly independent nations in the region. The establishment of journalism programs at institutions such as Divine Word University and the University of PNG has contributed to education and training opportunities for aspiring journalists.
In recent decades, the rise of independent media outlets has expanded the freedom of news coverage, shifting away from the control of traditional media owners like governments and churches. However, this independence has occasionally clashed with established governance systems, leading to physical assaults and legal repercussions for journalists daring to report the truth.
As the media sector evolves, the focus on securing funding has become paramount, often overshadowing the crucial watchdog functions of journalism. This shift was evident at the summit, where discussions predominantly revolved around financial sustainability and technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, rather than core journalistic principles.
Looking ahead, Kalafi Moala’s reflections signal the critical need for media organizations to balance financial imperatives with their role in holding power accountable. This article serves as the first installment of a two-part series reflecting on PINA’s 50 years of existence.