BY JOY OFASIA
A recent 10-day press tour to China in November provided a helpful learning experience for a group of Solomon Islands media professionals, who visited prominent media organizations such as Nanjing Daily and China Daily.
The tour was seen as a valuable opportunity for the team to learn from some of China’s leading media professionals, fueling their passion and determination to improve the local media landscape in the Solomon Islands.
The highlight of the tour was a meaningful dialogue with Mr. Liu Siyang, the Vice President of the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA).
The media team was given an exclusive guided tour of the ACJA’s facilities, was was both motivating and eye-opening.
“It was an honor to listen & learn from well-established media organizations and associations,” she said. “These experiences remind us of the vital role media plays in society and encourage us to strive for improvements in our work back home.”
Despite facing challenges such as outdated technology and limited resources in the Solomon Islands, Miss Wate Seni expressed positivity for the future.
“Though our media may currently be behind in terms of good structured workspace and technology, I feel hopeful about our growth,” she said. “These visits inspire us to continue using media to amplify the voices of the unheard and bring truth to light.”
The eight local media professionals on the 10-day media day look and learn trip to China include Arthur Wate ( Director, Solomon Star ) and Assumpta Buchanan from the Solomon Star; Simon Tavake and George Hoatamauri from SIBC; Jeremy Gwao from Tavuli News; Ronald Toito’ona from In-depth Solomons; Lynda Wate Seni (MASI vice president) from the Sunday Isles; and Brian Lezutuni (team leader) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
