BY CHRIS ALEX
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), with support from BBC Media Action, recently hosted a two-day workshop to help local journalists sharpen their social media and digital skills.
The event aimed to equip members with the tools they need to keep up with the fast-changing world of digital media.
The “Best Use of Social Media Workshop” in partnership with MASI and BBC Media Action brought together media professionals eager to learn about new trends and effective ways to share their stories online, held on 31 May and 1 June 2025, aimed to enhance journalism in the Solomon Islands through digital innovation and professional development. The event ended with a certificate ceremony.
Facilitators Mike Tua and Gina Kekea led the sessions, alongside guest speakers Gloria Hong and Karl Vaekesa. On the first day, participants explored the local social media landscape and learned tips on using popular platforms like TikTok and YouTube, including strategies for monetizing content.
“This workshop is a great chance for MASI members to learn how to grow their online presence and make the most of social media platforms,” said Mike Tua. “We want to empower our members with practical skills to help them succeed in today’s digital world.”
The second day focused on social media strategy, analytics, and content planning. Gina Kekea guided participants through understanding algorithms and creating effective posts, ending the workshop with group discussions and practical advice for ongoing improvement.
MASI President Ofani Eremae opened the workshop by stressing the importance of adapting to the digital age. “Social media is a powerful tool for communication and storytelling,” he said. “We encourage our members to take full advantage of this opportunity to enhance their work and reach wider audiences.”
Reflecting on the changes in journalism over the years, Eremae said, “You know, during our time, the only tool we used was the pen. You wrote your story and handed it to the editor. But now, reporting has become much easier with technology. So, make full use of it — and of course, responsibly.”
He also highlighted the need for continuous learning. “I believe what we have gone through over the past two days will help our industry take advantage of available technology and better inform our people. This won’t be the end — there will be more training because this is an evolving industry.”
Participants expressed gratitude for the knowledge shared, noting it showed MASI’s strong commitment to building media capacity.
