Investigative journalist Georgina Maka’a has been elected president of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) at its annual general meeting in Honiara on Saturday.
Maka’a, a reporter and co-founder of In-Depth Solomons, succeeds Ofani Eremae, who has completed his term as president of the association.
Island Sun editor Irwin Angiki was elected vice president, succeeding Lynda Wate Seni of Isles Media.
Andrew Fanasia Junior, a communications officer with the Ministry of Rural Development, was also elected to the executive committee, succeeding Eddie Osifelo of the Solomon Star.
The newly elected members join continuing board members Ruthina Koroa, Chrisnrita Aumanu Leong, Ned Gagahe and Ednal Palmer.
Under MASI’s constitution, elected executive committee members serve two-year terms.
Maka’a has nearly two decades of experience in the media industry, with a background in print and broadcast journalism, investigative reporting and communications.
She co-founded In-Depth Solomons in May 2023 alongside journalists Eremae and Charley Piringi.
In his outgoing remarks at Saturday’s meeting, Eremae said MASI’s programmes would continue and called on members to support the association’s activities under the new leadership.
MASI is a not-for-profit charitable organisation representing journalists, media organisations and communications professionals in Solomon Islands.
The association traces its beginnings to 1980 and has evolved over the past 46 years alongside changes in the country’s media industry.
Its membership extends beyond traditional newsrooms to include professionals working in public relations, government communications and community media.
MASI works to promote ethical journalism, protect press freedom and support the professional development of media workers.
Over the years, the association has carried out programmes and activities to strengthen journalism and media, with support from development partners including the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), BBC Media Action and Internews.
