A perspective on the history and future of the Pacific Islands News Association is provided by incoming President Kalafi Moala. Attendees at the recent 7th Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Summit felt that Niue was an excellent choice for the gathering of journalists, media practitioners, and partners. This conference is held biennially in various Pacific locations, and Niue excelled in hosting the 2024 event, offering exceptional hospitality.
The Summit featured plenary sessions, side events, training workshops, and tours of the island, affectionately known as “the rock.” The PINA board, in collaboration with the Government of Niue, facilitated the successful execution of the event. Notable participation came from Niue leaders, including Speaker of Parliament and former broadcaster Hema Douglas, and Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi. Unfortunately, Michael Jackson from the Niue Star, who extended the invitation to host PINA in Niue during the 2022 Honiara Summit, could not attend due to illness in Auckland.
Eighty members from 11 Pacific nations took part in the Summit, which coincided with PINA’s 50th anniversary since its inception in 1974. Niue also celebrated its 50th year as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. As a first-time visitor to Niue, I was pleasantly surprised by its level of development compared to other small Pacific island nations.
Niue’s land area is roughly equivalent to Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, measuring 260 square kilometers, but its population is only 1,681, in stark contrast to Tongatapu’s 74,454 residents. The island is debt-free, offers free healthcare and education, and has the lowest crime rate in the region, highlighting its appeal as a beautiful nation.
The tranquility of Niue created an ideal environment for regional media leaders and journalists to reflect on the state of media within the region and consider its future direction. Participants discussed the challenges and measures needed to strengthen media practices.
Despite a busy agenda filled with meetings and workshops, I found that, similar to previous PINA summits, the most valuable experiences stemmed from reconnecting with fellow journalists, sharing stories of success and challenges, and forging new friendships with media professionals from various countries.
PINA’s formal founding meeting took place in September 1974 after an informal media network was established two years earlier during the first Pacific Islands editors’ conference in Suva, Fiji. The organization’s first office was set up at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. Founding members included prominent figures from the Pacific media industry, and by 1985, PINA had officially elected its initial executive team and initiated annual conferences.
Reflecting on its 50-year history, PINA has been instrumental in shaping and advancing media practices across the region. The merger with the Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association (PIBA) in 2004 solidified PINA’s role as the leading media association in the Pacific, becoming a crucial player in media development.
Over the years, the media has taken on a watchdog role, advocating for truthfulness and accountability, particularly as many Pacific nations emerged from colonialism. Newly independent countries like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu began to assert their freedom, sharing their narratives on their own terms. Regional journalism programs established at institutions like Divine Word University in PNG and the University of the South Pacific have provided essential journalism education.
The media landscape has changed significantly, particularly with the rise of independently owned outlets creating opportunities for more varied news coverage, free from traditional media influences. However, this evolution has often clashed with existing governance systems that resisted accountability. Journalists faced threats and violence for their commitment to truthful reporting.
Despite some ongoing challenges, significant improvements have emerged in the treatment of journalists across the region. The demand for financial support has increasingly influenced media operations, often overshadowing the commitment to serve as a public watchdog. At the recent summit in Niue, discussions centered more on funding acquisition than on other fundamental media roles, apart from a secondary focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Looking ahead, the future direction of PINA and Pacific media raises critical questions. This is the first installment in a two-part reflection on the Pacific Islands News Association at 50.