BY JOY OFASIA
THE Pacific Islands Media Freedom Index 2023 was launched at the 7th Pacific Island News Association Summit held at Matavai Resort in Alofi, Niue, on September 24, 2023.
The report entitled “For Us, By Us, About Us,” by the Pacific Freedom Forum aims to address the pressing challenges faced by journalists in the Pacific region, documenting the struggles of 73 journalists in securing press freedom.
Robert Luke Iroga, chairperson of the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) and vice president of the Pacific Island News Association (PINA), emphasised the significance of this milestone during the launch.
“Today is a milestone for PFF and PINA as partners, which is very significant to know the health of the media industry in terms of freedom over the past years,” he stated.
Iroga noted that the Index “For Us, By Us, About Us” engaged journalists from 14 Pacific island nations, underscoring the collaborative effort required to capture the true state of media freedom in the region.
“This report is a product of our hard work over the last three months; now they have seen the fruit of their labour, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter for journalism in the Pacific,” he added.
The report is pioneering in its approach, being the first of its kind created specifically for and by Pacific journalists. It not only highlights the challenges they face but also opens doors for future surveys and research initiatives aimed at enhancing media freedom across the region.
Co-chair of the PFF, Katalina Tohi, shared similar sentiments, stating that the index serves as a foundational step toward the development of a more trustworthy media landscape.
“In this report, this work is not only for the PFF, but it is the work for all of us and just the first step for a better media for Pacific people, better information, and a media that our people can trust. It aims to improve media quality and ensure that our people receive reliable information.
“This could also help us to strengthen and identify some of the areas that the report has highlighted,” she stated.
As the Pacific Islands Media Freedom Index sets the stage for improved understanding and dialogue around press freedoms, it promises to be a vital tool for journalists advocating for a healthier democratic discourse in the Pacific Islands. The initiative emphasises the need for collaborative efforts to address identified challenges and ultimately strengthen the media landscape for future generations.
