Pacific Media urged to report its own issues without western influence

Information Communication Technology Minister Timothy Masiu is strongly opposing powerful western countries influence on Pacific media freedom.

Speaking as the guest of honor at the official dinner of the 2024 Pacific International Media Conference last night [Thursday] Mr Masiu says outside influence must not control the way Pacific media write and report issues affecting them.

He expressed dismay at seeing the Pacific region being used for geo-political agendas.

The ICT Minister says it's disturbing to see the region's media being targeted by more developed nations as a tool to drive their geopolitical agendas.

Mr Masiu believes this has greatly influenced respective cultures, ways of life, and the gradual erosion of Pacific values and systems.

The ICT Minister says in the media industry some of these geo-political influences are being designed and recultured through elaborate and attractive funding themes like transparency and accountability.

But Mr Masiu thinks this is not a way forward for a truly independent and authentic Pacific media.
He says how the Pacific media industry is developed must reflect the original and authentic value systems.

He says media objectives and practices should reflect all levels of the unique Pacific way, focusing on issues like climate change, environmental preservation, preservation and protection of fast-fading languages and traditions, and political landscape.