PINA’s Mission to Empower Pacific Media

Board members of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) emphasized the importance of understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by their members during a recent visit to Fiji. The meeting aimed to strengthen regional collaboration and foster creative solutions to shared issues in the media industry.

Led by PINA President Kalafi Moala, the delegation met with managing directors of The Fiji Times, a media institution that recently celebrated its 105th anniversary. Discussions centered on the evolving challenges in journalism and innovative strategies that could benefit media organizations across the Pacific.

“We are very happy to have this opportunity to hear from The Fiji Times,” said Moala. “They are probably one of the oldest news companies in the region, and we can learn so much from them.”

This gathering marked the first in-person meeting of the PINA Board since its general membership election in Niue in September. Moala highlighted the significance of listening to members’ concerns and incorporating their feedback into PINA’s agenda.

“What we heard clearly from PINA members is that we need to hear them out and respond to their needs,” Moala said. “We are starting to do that now.”

The Board’s visit coincided with communications training hosted by the Forum Fisheries Agency ahead of the 21st session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in Fiji. This provided an opportunity for PINA leaders to further engage with media organizations and align their strategies with regional priorities.

“It is very important to hear from every media organization and member from around the region so that we can understand their needs and perspectives,” added Moala. “This way, we can start addressing our members’ needs properly.”

By fostering dialogue and collaboration, PINA aims to empower media organizations across the Pacific, ensuring they are well-equipped to address emerging challenges and seize new opportunities. (By: L.N. Reklai)