Timothy Masiu, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology of Papua New Guinea, delivered remarks at the 19th Asia Media Summit in Kuala Lumpur, outlining significant developments in the Pacific ICT sector. He highlighted the Final Communique from the 53rd Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Summit, held in Tonga, where Pacific leaders agreed to integrate ICT into the PIF architecture. This initiative, led by Papua New Guinea, is a timely and positive step for regional cooperation in key areas such as cyber security, digital skills, and disaster management.
Masiu expressed the urgency of revitalizing news media to support democracy and freedom of speech, particularly as Pacific media faces a crisis exacerbated by digital disruption and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have severely impacted advertising revenues. At a recent conference in Fiji, media experts expressed concerns over the existential threats to Pacific journalism.
He emphasized the need for more collaboration between the Asia-Pacific and South Pacific regions, noting that while the Pacific media sector is small and vulnerable, it has historically adapted well to challenges. However, the current climate demands greater support, including potential government subsidies for private media.
Masiu pointed to the lack of strong representation from neighboring Asian countries in the Pacific media sector, presenting an opportunity for deeper engagement. He called for a holistic approach to revitalizing the Pacific media industry, focusing on education and research partnerships with Asian institutions. The need for more research into media issues, particularly regarding climate change, was highlighted as important for the future of Pacific media.
In conclusion, Masiu reiterated the importance of equal partnerships in developing media practices, urging that assistance from international partners should not impose foreign views on the Pacific media landscape. He called for exploration of financial models, public funding, and joint training opportunities with Asian media organizations to create a resilient and independent Pacific media capable of holding authority accountable.