By Pita Ligaiula in Savusavu
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has formally launched the Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism, calling for stronger cooperation between governments, media, academia, civil society and development partners to strengthen journalism across the region.
The centre, established through a partnership between Fiji National University (FNU) and the Fijian Media Association (FMA), will support professional training, research, regional cooperation and the development of the next generation of Pacific media leaders.
Speaking at the opening of the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Rabuka said no single institution could address the challenges facing the Pacific media sector alone.
“No Government, media organisation or institution can do this alone. We need Government. We need the media. We need civil society. We need academia. We need development partners and we need stronger regional media networks,” Rabuka said.
He said cooperation between the Government and media must be based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the public interest.
“Our relationship must be based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the public interest. We will not always agree. That is normal in a democracy,” he said.
Rabuka said differences between governments and the media should not prevent dialogue.
“But disagreement should not prevent dialogue. It should encourage better questions, better information and better decisions,” he said.
He said the new centre could help strengthen digital journalism, media literacy and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Rabuka said the objective was to build a media sector that could adapt to technological change without losing the professional standards that underpin journalism.
“Our objective should be clear. We want a media sector that is independent, professional, credible and trusted.
“A sector that can adapt to technological change while maintaining the standards that give journalism its value,” he said.
Rabuka said the centre should develop into a regional platform for journalism knowledge, skills and collaboration.
“I therefore look forward to seeing the Centre grow as a regional platform for knowledge, skills and collaboration,” he said.
He said stronger cooperation across the media sector would also contribute to public trust, stronger institutions and a more connected Pacific.
“This is how we strengthen public trust. This is how we strengthen our institutions and this is how we build a more connected and resilient Blue Pacific,” Rabuka said.
