"Policy and Legislation: Communications legislation is broadly based on a US model. States are responsible for media legislation and regulation, resulting in uneven development in this area. Freedom of speech is guaranteed in the constitution, and freedom of media has not been challenged in recent years. Telecommunications is regulated nationally; FSM Telecommunications Corporation is the only telecommunications provider.
Media Systems: There is a shortage of technicians in Pohnpei. Technicians in Pohnpei, at the different companies, generally support one another, both formally (for a fee) and informally. Technical support is available through US-based companies. The Disaster Preparedness Plan has recently been reviewed; the key stakeholders had not yet been briefed on their roles and responsibilities. There is no local awareness of an emergency communications or broadcasting plan. The national government has recently installed new sirens in Pohnpei; similar systems are planned for the rest of the states.
Capacity Building: There are reports of at least two new media associations being launched in Micronesia with strong links to FSM, though interviewees did not report being part of those groups and regional travel was raised as an issue; one local Catholic media production organisation is supported by a regional Catholic media association. The College of Micronesia’s media program has been discontinued due to staff shortages, raising an issue of the sustainability of initiatives that rely on individuals. As well as a shortage of employment options for media and journalism students, there are social and cultural issues with young people trained in journalism questioning elders, resulting in the limiting of career options. Media and communications practitioners report using the internet to teach themselves new skills. Lack of targeted training invitations can result in valuable training opportunities being missed by the most appropriate people within organisations.
Content: NGO, church and government groups are active content producers on a range of themes. Radio staff are seen as not having the capacity to clearly communicate climate change issues. There is a lack of connection between media and climate change organisations. Currently, NCD communication and awareness activities are not coordinated; there are plans to better coordinate the different stakeholders." (Summary of findings)