A new perspective on the history and future of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) is offered by incoming President Kalafi Moala. Participants at the recent 7th PINA Summit expressed a collective sentiment that Niue was the ideal host for the gathering of journalists, media professionals, and partners.
The biennial event took place in Niue, where the local community showcased outstanding hospitality. The Summit featured plenary sessions, side events, training workshops, and tours of the island, affectionately known as “the rock.” With assistance from its secretariat and support from the Niuean government, the PINA board ensured the event ran smoothly.
Two prominent Niuean leaders, Speaker of Parliament Hema Douglas and Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi, were particularly engaged in the proceedings. Unfortunately, Michael Jackson, a representative from the Niue Star, was unable to attend due to illness.
The Summit saw participation from 80 PINA members across 11 Pacific nations, commemorating 50 years since PINA’s formation in 1974. Niue also celebrated its own 50th anniversary of self-governance in free association with New Zealand.
As a first-time visitor, I was impressed by Niue’s developmental progress compared to other small Pacific islands. Despite its size, roughly comparable to Tongatapu in Tonga, Niue boasts a small population of 1,681 and is characterized by its debt-free status, free healthcare and education, and the region’s lowest crime rate.
The island’s tranquil environment fostered an atmosphere conducive for media leaders and journalists to reflect on the current state of media and its future trajectory in the region. Discussions revolved around challenges and potential solutions to enhance media practices.
While the schedule included various meetings and workshops, much of the value stemmed from rekindling friendships and networking with fellow journalists, learning from their experiences, and gaining insights into shared challenges.
PINA was informally established in 1972, formally founding in September 1974 after the first Pacific Islands Editors’ Conference in Suva, Fiji. The union of the Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association and PINA in 2004 bolstered its role as the leading media association in the Pacific, significantly impacting the region’s media landscape.
Over the last 50 years, PINA has been instrumental in the evolution of media in the region. Newly independent nations began asserting their narratives while increased journalism training opportunities sprouted in various Pacific institutions. The growth of independent media outlets has further enhanced freedom in news coverage, although this has sometimes clashed with entrenched governance systems resistant to critical scrutiny.
Historically, journalists faced persecution for exposing truths, reflecting a leadership culture often focused on control rather than service. Although there have been notable improvements in journalist safety, the economic demands in media operations have shifted focus away from vital watchdog responsibilities.
As media organizations grapple with funding challenges, conversations during the Summit highlighted the need for sustainable financial support. This emphasis on funding, alongside discussions on artificial intelligence technology, raises questions about the future direction of PINA and its role in media advocacy.
This article is the first part of a two-part series examining PINA at 50.