“Stop Demonising Solomon Islands Media,” Says Fiji Journalist at Niue Summit

Stanley Simpson Criticizes International Media Focus on Geopolitics, Urges Attention to Real Challenges Facing Pacific Islanders and Media Outlets.

Stanley Simpson, a prominent journalist and representative of the Fiji Media Association, called for an end to the demonization of Pacific media, particularly in the Solomon Islands, during the recent Pacific Media Summit held in Niue. Simpson expressed frustration over how Pacific media has become entangled in geopolitical tensions between larger global powers.

“Stop demonizing the Solomon Islands media,” Simpson urged, pointing to the frequent portrayal of the country’s media as being under Chinese influence due to support from the Chinese Embassy for two major print media companies. He stressed that these narratives overlook the real struggles Pacific media face to secure resources and survive in difficult circumstances. Simpson called for an end to narratives that suggest local media has been compromised by external powers, particularly China.

He also expressed concern about the pressures facing media outlets in the Solomon Islands, noting that some have had to forge partnerships just to survive. “You can see between the lines—some international media outlets and journalists appear sarcastic, as if they’ve (Solomon Islands media) sold their souls just to secure equipment and resources.”

His comments resonated with many attendees, especially given the growing pressures facing Pacific media. Outlets in the region, including in Fiji, are struggling with financial constraints that threaten their ability to operate. This has forced some to reduce staff and scale back their operations to stay afloat.

Simpson urged donor countries to back their commitments to democracy and good governance with stronger financial support for the media. “They often talk about how important media is for democracy, good governance, and accountability, but the level of financial support we receive doesn’t reflect the value they claim we have,” he said.

Expanding on the geopolitical challenges, Simpson emphasized that Pacific media does not want to take sides in global power struggles. “We want to be friends with everyone, but we’re under immense pressure from global powers that have been in the region for a long time. With China’s increased presence, suddenly we’ve become important again. But when I look at these geopolitical battles, it’s clear that the real issue is where they are putting their money,” he said. “Our traditional partners need to put their money in the right places. A lot of what they preach about media independence isn’t backed by their actions.”

Following Simpson’s remarks, Esther Pavihi from the Broadcasting Corporation for Niue shared an example of the international support her station relies on. She pointed to three satellite dishes outside her station, each funded by a different country—Australia, New Zealand, and China. This visual representation highlighted the blend of international support that Pacific media depends on and raised questions about the sustainability and balance of such investments in the sector.

The summit discussions emphasized the resilience of Pacific media despite these financial challenges. Media owners are actively seeking ways to keep their operations going as traditional revenue sources dry up. Participants stressed the need for unity across Pacific newsrooms and called for innovative solutions to secure the future of the region’s media.

Around 80 media delegates from over 10 Pacific Island countries, including the Solomon Islands, gathered in Niue for the 7th Pacific Media Summit 2024. The event, hosted by the Niue Media Association in collaboration with the Government of Niue and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), carried the theme “Charting a Resilient Future: Pacific Media Navigating Press Freedoms, AI & Geopolitical Interests.”