"The research for this report was developed and undertaken between June 2012 and April 2013 across 14 Pacific Island nations: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Niue, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon I
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slands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The report provides a regional overview of the PACMAS key components (Media Policy, Media Systems, Media Capacity Building and Media Content) as they emerged through 212 interviews focused upon the six PACMAS strategic areas. It also provides basic background information, an overview of the media and communications landscape and discusses in detail media and communications technicians; emergency broadcast systems, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), media associations, climate change and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). For this reason, observations on the four PACMAS components should be understood to represent changes in the media and communication environment based upon an investigation focused on the PACMAS strategic activities." (www.pacmas.org)
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"Policy and Legislation: Media and communication legislation in Niue includes the Communications Act 1989, the Communications Amendment Act 2000, the Broadcasting Act 1989, Radio Regulations 1972 and the Business License Act 1997. The Niuean Constitution doesn’t reference freedom of expression or
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freedom of the media. There is no FoI legislation. A code of ethics is being drafted at the time of writing. There are no news specific content requirements specified in law. No special legislation exists for community media.
Media Systems: Technicians are adept at finding solutions online on technical issues. Technicians source information and equipment from multiple sources. The National Disaster Council is the central regulatory body that organises disaster preparedness and response in Niue. A National Disaster Plan and a specific emergency plan for cyclones are already in place. There is some ambiguity about communication and coordination mechanisms around disaster response. Some standby infrastructure and equipment available to address disasters. Need for greater support to ensure disaster preparedness and in post disaster recovery.
Capacity Building: Qualifications from academic institutions in New Zealand and Fiji are prevalent among practitioners. Preference for locally organised training and training of trainers for Niue media practitioners. There is no national media association in Niue. Most media organisations are affiliated with PINA. There are no TVET s in Niue.
Content: Radio is an important platform for sharing information especially through the community affairs program. The National Climate Change Policy recognises awareness raising as one of the six focus areas. Translating climate change terminology is a challenge in climate change communication. NCDs are a priority issue within Niue but there is limited to no engagement with mass media to address it. NCD communication relies on notice boards, village meetings and word of mouth (in person or by phone)." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: The Prime Minister is responsible for broadcasting and telecommunication portfolios. The Broadcasting Act of 1989 covers the provision of commercial and community broadcast licences. Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the constitution. The Cook Islands is the first count
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ry to pass FOI legislation in the Pacific. The Telecommunications Act of 1989 is tailored for Telecom Cook Islands.
Media Systems: Technicians are not formally connected to any particular media association or support network, but often call on people in their own personal and professional networks. Several companies have plans to upgrade network infrastructure (Telecom, private radio station). There are reportedly plans to upgrade to broadband internet and to enable connections across all islands. This project is a major priority for most of the people interviewed. There is currently no formal emergency communication plan for broadcasters, but radio broadcasters have some basic awareness of the role of radio in an emergency.
Capacity Building: There are some innovative programs in Cook Islands, including a media studies course for Form 6 students at the local Tereora College. Many media outlets offer internships/cadetships to graduates. All media and communications organisations in the Cook Islands find that access to funding limits training opportunities, with the exception of Telecom, which has a budget but no appropriate opportunities. The national media association, Cook Islands Media Association, is not fully functional despite numerous efforts to revive it. Very few media professionals have tertiary qualifications.
Content: The largest media company, Elijah Communications, has a particular interest in climate change issues. The primary challenge in reporting on climate change is translating technical terms into local languages. The Ministry of Health makes strategic and regular use of media in its campaigns and health promotions. Media outlets report covering NCD issues." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: The Constitution protects freedom of expression, but there are no explicit references to freedom of media. Freedom of media was specifically included in the Tuvalu Media Corporation Act of 1993, but since being de-corporatised in 2008, the Tuvalu Media Department is no longe
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r separated from the government. The Public Order Act was used in 2011 to ban political meetings for a short time. There is no market competition in telecommunications, and no liberalisation legislation in place.
Media Systems: Tuvalu has recently had upgrades to equipment funded by Japan, but technicians are worried about how they would cope with breakdowns after the one year warranty expires. Internet connections are unreliable and intermittent. Technicians are keen to be involved in support networks. Emergency plans are associated with tsunamis and cyclones; they do not have a communications section, so knowledge of communication procedures is informal. Disaster awareness is hampered to some extent by faith-based rejections of risks.
Capacity Building: Few media professionals, including the technicians, have formal qualifications. Funding is a barrier to accessing regional and international training. There are no separate media organisations or associations in Tuvalu, and there is only one media outlet. The TMD is a member of PINA, although access to training and support remains problematic.
Content: Central-periphery divides have an impact on the news and content included in mass media. Media coverage of climate change is low, and despite some faith-based rejections of risks, churches have become leading advocates of climate change issues. Face-to-face communication is preferred for disaster awareness. The TMD shows great enthusiasm for covering NCD issues in a variety of formats." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: Freedom of the Press is guaranteed in Clause 7 of the constitution. Amendments to the constitution in 2003 enabled the government to restrict media freedom. The Communication Act 2000 allows the government to restrict or prohibit content or particular types of content, and r
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egulates the ways in which Tongan culture and identity are represented in the media. The Newspaper Act and Media Operators Act 2003 licenses newspapers as well as broadcasters, and includes a restriction on the importation and sale of foreign media.
Media Systems: Technicians typically rely on bilateral assistance programs for donated (but usually old) equipment. Technicians purchase equipment online from companies primarily based in New Zealand. Engineers are keen to work together to pool resources and training from abroad. Tongan technicians are sent overseas for up-skilling, and special trainers are occasionally brought in from overseas; they also maintain their own relationships and seek advice from other technicians overseas. The National Plan for Emergency Information was formulated in 2007 and is undergoing revision. The National Emergency Management Office works with the Red Cross for disaster preparedness. Digicel works closely with the Disaster Management Committee to broadcast information immediately via mobile (SMS) and television; Radio Tonga is also a significant player. In the most recent events where early warning messages were delayed, TBC did not relay them for almost 25 minutes, and people were already on their way to work and school.
Capacity Building: The Tonga Institute of Higher Education has Certificate and Diploma courses in journalism; all of the students in 2011 were women. TVET training is perceived as inadequate, with students who have undertaken media internships lacking practical or technical skills. TBC is currently the only active member of PINA in Tonga, and PasiMA has emerged as a player for members of private media. Local politics and competition between different individuals and organisations play a significant role in the success or failure of media associations and organisations in Tonga.
Content: The balance and quality of international content as compared with locally produced content represents a key concern for members of the media industry. Tonga has a formal communications plan as part of the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change program (PACC) which focuses on delivery of climate change messages. Many of the messages about climate change need to be simplified, made relevant or translated into Tongan language and concepts. Media experts go to Tonga Family Health or the Government Centre for Women & Children - Ma’a Fafine mo e Famili - for information about NCDs. Tonga Health Promotion Foundation does not undertake any media training and has had little training on how to engage with the media or how media campaigns should work. Telecommunication companies (e.g., Broadcom and Digicel) have been particularly active in NCD awareness activities." (Summary of findings)
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"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 y
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ears. 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)
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"Policy and Legislation: The government broadcaster VBTC administers broadcast licences in Vanuatu. Under the Newspaper Act 1982, newspaper owners must be Vanuatu citizens. Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the constitution, but there is no specific protection for freedom of media, and threats
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against journalists are fairly common. The Media Association Blong Vanuatu (MAV) has a code of ethics for its members but no mechanism for enforcing its provisions.
Media Systems: During an emergency, NDMO coordinates communication and works with all existing radio stations including VBTC to get information out. There is a national disaster plan drafted that is currently under review. VBTC has no emergency disaster plan. TVL, the only landline provider in Vanuatu, has its own in-house procedures in the case of an emergency. A major challenge is coverage, upgrading TV and radio services to other provinces, and ensuring that equipment is maintained.
Capacity Building: The Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) in Port Vila offers a two-year Diploma and one-year Certificate course. There are efforts being made to develop a feeder media and communication curriculum for Year 11 and 12. While enrolled, it is common for students to undertake internships and develop their industry networks for possible future employment. Technicians in Vanuatu either learn on the job or obtain their training overseas. The Media Association Blong Vanuatu (MAV) was established in 2006. MAV has an office at the VIT and relies on volunteers.
Content: Vanuatu has an active meteorology department, which heads the climate change task force; The Vanuatu Association for NGOs does intense work on climate change with its partners. Climate change awareness in Vanuatu to date has been done both via mass media and via community-based work. Integration of climate change issues into the school curriculum has been started. There is a Policy on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) but no communication strategy. The government works in partnership with stakeholders in the NGO sector to produce programs on NCDs. Media coverage around NCDs mainly includes news stories of events or publications of reports." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: The Ministry of Transportation and Communication is responsible for registering broadcasting stations. Freedom of speech and the press are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. There is no media self-regulating body, and no media association. There is no FOI legislation. Telecom
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munications are currently a monopoly but the government is working with the World Bank to open the market to competition.
Media Systems: Technicians primarily use personal and professional networks for assistance. Equipment providers are also a source of advice. NTA is a member of PITA and ITU. The National Disaster Management Plan is currently under review. There is a lack of clarity of the roles and responsibilities in a disaster, and a perceived lack of political will. Some available communication technologies are not being integrated.
Capacity Building: NGOs have been able to access limited opportunities for media and communications training. Most technicians are trained on the job. There is no local media association. There are no local TVET courses relating to media and communication.
Content: Radio remains an important platform in the Marshall Islands. WUTMI is a significant contributor of C4D content. Several NGOs are active advocates regarding climate change. Government departments and NGOs use radio for NCD communication." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: Since the introduction of the government’s Media Decree in 2012, the Fiji Media Industry Development Authority censors and controls the media industry. The constitution guaranteeing freedom of the press has been suspended since 2009. Threats against local and international
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journalists and editors have been common since the military takeover. Some sections of the Fiji Media Council Code of Ethics are included in the Media Decree but others are left out. Regular amendments create a tense atmosphere in the Fijian media industry. Fiji government representatives nevertheless argue that the various decrees, which were put in place, have empowered the general population by giving them greater voice and improved their access to information.
Media Systems: Fiji has had a National Disaster Management Plan since 1995. Radio Fiji and FM96 are used to communicate emergency warnings during natural disasters. The Early Warning System also includes SMS messages, warning sirens, cars with speakers, and word of mouth. Fiji has agreements with telecommunications companies to provide emergency calls for free. During 2011 floods, social network sites were used by people to access information. Most technicians have no formal training and there is no institution in Fiji offering broadcast technicians training. Technicians with formal training may have qualifications in related fields from Fiji National University. There is no formal network of technicians in Fiji. Informal networks and internet forums are used to seek advice and information. FemLINKpacific trains women in content production using radio, video and mobile suitcase transmitters.
Capacity Building: Several education and training initiatives are available in the area of media and communications in Fiji; the main institutions are USP and FNU. Fiji is an education hub for the region. Journalists also receive on the job training, and access training and workshops offered by SPC and UN agencies. Recent training has focused on media law training in relation to the new regulations and amendments. FNU offers vocational courses in journalism, media production, and technical skills, and film production. FNU’s completion rate is 80 per cent. Graduate outcomes are recorded. Many graduates choose to work in the NGO sector. FNU is challenged by a shortage of teachers. There is no media association in Fiji. The Fiji Media Council closed following the changes in legislation in 2009 and 2010.
Content: Climate change is a national priority. USP is playing a leading role in using participatory approaches to climate change communication. There is a lack of awareness of the impacts of climate change in the general community. There is a reported ‘jargon gap’; bridging this gap is seen as important. There is no targeted training around NCDs for journalists. Climate change communication occurs across many media outlets including radio, TV, Several communication initiatives on the topic of NCDs have been broadcast in Fiji, including radio campaigns and TV documentaries. These are in conjunction with inter-personal communication methods." (Summary of findings)
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