AUSTRALIA’S support for the Solomon Islands media sector is long-standing. This year Australia’s relationship has been particularly close with Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) to support them to get ready for the 2023 Pacific Games.
The Australian Government gifted more equipment to SIBC valued at approximately SBD234,000 (AUD$42,600).
It includes mobile phones, handheld rigs, tripods, microphones, headsets, recorders and more. All practical tools to assist SIBC to cover the Pacific Games, where it has exclusive radio broadcasting rights.
The equipment came from ABC International Development (ABCID), which has delivered equipment and training to SIBC this year on behalf of the Australian Government. The training has included visual storytelling, event planning, content creation, commentary, and broadcasting training.
This equipment follows the recent gift of two mobile journalism (MoJo) kits in September 2023. MoJo kits consist of an Android phone, microphone, tripod, and other components that allow a single person to capture high-quality audio and video. The content can be recorded on the phone for later use or sent back to a studio for immediate broadcast.
These kits have been utilised by SIBC reporters to file stories leading up to and during the Pacific Games.
The Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said “today is about partnership, equipment, and connection. Partnership – where Australia and SIBC genuinely listen to and respect one another. Equipment – giving SIBC the tools to continue educating, informing, and entertaining the nation. And connection – between the trainers at ABC and the management, staff, and reporters at SIBC. Like all Solomon Islanders, I am excited to listen to SIBC’s coverage of the Pacific Games, and Australia is proud to support SIBC to deliver this outcome for the nation.”
The Australian High Commissioner will return to SIBC soon to handover a new power generator for SIBC’s FM tower at Rove, ensuring ongoing broadcasting of SIBC during power blackouts.
