The Fijian Media Association (FMA) in collaboration with the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) has officially announced that the 8th Pacific Media Summit will take place from September 21-25, 2026, in Savusavu, Fiji Islands. This significant event will be centered around the theme “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.”
Expected to welcome between 150 to 200 media delegates from across the Pacific region, the summit will include a diverse group of participants such as journalists, editors, media executives, academics, development partners, and key stakeholders. The chosen theme highlights the pressing need for reliable information access in remote and underserved Pacific communities through robust, independent media practices. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration among regions, the establishment of resilient communication systems ready for disasters, and investment in new technologies to enhance connectivity within the Blue Pacific.
This summit serves as PINA’s flagship platform for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and addressing media development issues affecting the Blue Pacific. It is a vital venue for media professionals to confront contemporary challenges, foster innovation, elevate professional standards, and strengthen the role of independent media in promoting sustainable development.
PINA President Kalafi Moala emphasized the significance of the 2026 Summit, noting that it comes at a crucial juncture for the region. “The Pacific Media Summit continues to be our region’s most important platform for strengthening media solidarity and innovation, ensuring that even the most remote communities are connected, informed and heard,” he stated.
Additionally, FMA General Secretary Stanley Simpson expressed enthusiasm about announcing Savusavu as the host city for this gathering. “We look forward to welcoming our Pacific colleagues to Savusavu as we explore how media and digital innovation can better serve our island communities and advance a truly connected Blue Pacific,” he said.
The last Pacific Media Summit was successfully held in Niue in September 2024. The initiative to rotate the summit among Pacific Island nations reaffirms the commitment to inclusive regional participation.
In 2026, participants can look forward to a variety of activities, including panel discussions, keynote speeches, technical workshops, and networking sessions. These will focus on crucial topics such as digital transformation, media sustainability, press freedom, climate reporting, and inclusive storytelling tailored towards the unique challenges faced by remote island communities. Further details regarding registration, program highlights, and partnership opportunities will be shared in the coming months, signaling a promising future for Pacific media engagement.
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