A landmark engagement for the BBC in the Pacific was launched in Honiara this week. The first ever BBC Media Action ‘Media Strengthening in Solomon Islands Project’ will support media and journalists across the Solomon Islands to continue the development of high-quality media for the people of Solomon Islands.
Media training sessions commenced with SIBC, the National Broadcaster in Solomon Islands. BBC’s Senior Media Trainer Naomi Goldsmith is lead trainer in this project. The sessions with SIBC are for programme producers and presenters.
Another session for members of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) will be held later in the month. BBC Media Action has a separated programme activity with MASI.
Speaking to launch this engagement, Chief Executive Officer of SIBC, Johnson Honimae said:
“We welcome the BBC back at SIBC and to support the local media at large. The partnership will strengthen our media and benefit both our nations. The project culminated from discussions held between the British High Commission in Solomon Islands and Nauru, BBC Media Action and SIBC earlier this year.
British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Thomas Coward said:
“I am pleased we are rekindling this partnership between the SIBC and BBC. This is a busy time in Solomon Islands, including as we move toward the 2023 Pacific Games. Quality media is important to engage the people of Solomon Islands and keep them informed. There are great journalists in Solomon Islands and we are grateful to work with them in partnership.”
Country Director for BBC Media Action in Cambodia, Gemma Hayman said:
“Whilst the BBC has worked with SIBC before, this short pilot is BBC Media Action’s first project in the Pacific. We are thrilled to be working with SIBC and MASI and hope that this targeted training will be useful, alongside insights that will be generated from research we are undertaking on the media landscape and audience habits in the Solomon Islands.”
BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international charity. Through it the BBC works to support a world where informed and empowered people live in healthy, resilient and inclusive communities. The project is funded by the UK Government.
Source: British High Commission Office to Solomon Islands and Nauru
