ON May 3rd, 2024, the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) hosted a breakfast event at the Heritage Park Hotel to celebrate World Press Freedom Day.
Under the theme “Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” the event brought together individual and organizational members, along with donor partners, to network and engage with one another.
In her speech, MASI President Geogina Kekea highlighted the sacred role media professional play.
“Journalists are like heroes who work hard every day to find the truth, make sure powerful people do the right thing, and speak up for those who can’t.” she said.
Acknowledging that local media have faced hurdles like the 2021 riots, Covid Pandemic and occasional political uncertainties, Kekea lauded journalists for their zealousness.
“We admire their bravery, strength, and never giving up on their job.”
She also commended local media on taking the lead in media coverage of the 2023 Pacific Games, and the 2024 National General Election.
Kekea pointed out that by simply providing news to the public they have open the doors for people to engage in civic matters.
Meanwhile, president of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Kora Nou, called on pacific media to strive for the protection of media freedom, journalistic trustworthiness, and collaboration to combat the environmental and journalism
problems.
“We can use journalism’s strength to tell people, motivate them, and get them to act for a better future that’s fair, strong, and lasting, not just for the Pacific but everywhere,” Kora said.
