BY JOY OFASIA
Journalists, editors, and media advocates gathered at the Heritage Park Hotel on Monday this week for a quiet but powerful celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2025.
Amid the conversations and reflections, Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) President Ofani Eremae took to the podium—not to sound an alarm, but to offer a thoughtful reminder: the landscape of journalism is changing, and fast.
“The global theme, ‘Reporting in a Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,’ is a timely reminder of the changing landscape in which we operate,” Eremae told attendees, his voice steady. “Technologies like AI are transforming not just how we report the news but also how the public consumes it, how disinformation spreads, and how journalists are held accountable.”
For many in the room, his words struck a chord. The rise of AI is no longer just a future possibility—it’s here, reshaping the very tools and ethics of the trade.
Eremae’s message wasn’t one of fear, but of resolve. “As professionals, we must remain vigilant, ethical, and proactive in adapting to this brave new world without compromising our core values,” he said, drawing nods from across the audience. In a field where trust is currency, the importance of holding onto those values couldn’t be clearer.
This year, MASI aligned the global message with a local heartbeat, placing a strong focus on media independence and sustainability in the Solomon Islands. “This theme resonates more deeply with the challenges that we face today in the industry,” Eremae reflected. These challenges include shrinking funding, threats to editorial autonomy, and a digital shift that leaves no newsroom untouched.
The event featured panel discussions on how the media can both embrace and critically engage with AI-driven tools. While there were concerns, there was also hope: for smarter fact-checking systems, wider content reach, and a more tech-savvy generation of journalists.
Eremae later extended heartfelt thanks to MASI’s long-standing supporters. “Without your commitment, this journey would be much harder,” he said. And as the crowd applauded, it wasn’t just a celebration of press freedom—it was a moment of unity, resilience, and determination to meet the future head-on.
