Pacific broadcasters urged to take ownership of their stories

Pacific media leaders have called on broadcasters across the region to take ownership of Pacific stories and share them with the world from a Pacific perspective.

The message was delivered during the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, where speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring Pacific voices shape the region's narrative.

NBC Deputy Board Chairman Inau Iduhu, representing ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Junior, said Pacific nations must control their own narratives to avoid misrepresentation by others.

Mr Iduhu said: "The Blue Pacific identity reflects the region's shared culture, values and responsibility for the ocean."

"As media organisations we must strengthen partnerships, increase content sharing and embrace digital transformation while protecting Pacific cultures, languages and traditions."

NBC Deputy Managing Director Michael Samuga said one of the key outcomes expected from the conference is greater collaboration among Pacific broadcasters to tell more stories from the region.

"One key outcome we want to see in this conference is to see pacific journalists and broadcasters take ownership of our own stories and tell the Pacific and to the world."

Meanwhile, ABU Head of News Indra Singh, representing the ABU Secretary-General, acknowledged the challenges facing Pacific media, including scattered populations, limited infrastructure, climate impacts, digital pressures and declining revenues.

Despite these challenges, Mr Singh commended Pacific media professionals for preserving culture and strengthening communities through their work.

He said building resilience in the media sector will require practical training, sustainable business models and the effective use of technology to maintain public trust.

The conference began today in Port Moresby and will conclude tomorrow afternoon