Pacific media networks head for first regional dialogue

Pacific media networks head for first regional dialogue

Friday 29 April 2011, Apia—As global commemorations and events get
underway to mark the annual World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Pacific
media networks are gathering in Apia for a regional first – an
inaugural meeting aimed at promoting better ways of working together.

The Pacific media ‘Promoting dialogue and media regionalism’
gathering, from 2-4 May 2011, brings together network leaders from the
AIBD Pacific Media Partnership, the Pacific Alliance for Development
Journalists, the Pacific Freedom Forum, the Pacific Islands Media
Association, the IFJ Pacific Media Human Rights and Democracy Project,
the Pacific WAVE Media Network, and PasiMA.

The meeting is being supported by UNESCO Pacific as part of World
Press Freedom Day with additional funding from the AusAID's Pacific
Media Assistance Scheme (PacMAS) which will be launching its regional
office in Vanuatu this July. It will be co-facilitated by Peter Lewis
of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance in Australia and media
consultant Ulafala Aiavao of Samoa. Observers from organisations
working in strong partnerships with the media, including the national
media organisation for journalists, JAWS, will also have their say
during a session seeking their feedback and input on Pacific media
regionalism.

Opening formalities begin Monday morning at the Institute of Higher
Education Conference Room at the National University of Samoa and a
highlight involving NUS journalism students, regional media delegates,
local media and interested members of the public, is a keynote
presentation timed for World Press Freedom Day May 3 by Vanuatu Daily
Post publisher Marc Neil Jones.

The event will open up a first-time space for regional media networks
to introduce their work, dialogue, and talk through the potential and
challenges of media regionalism. A highlight for network leaders will
be the opportunity to hear directly from PacMAS on its proposed
program for the Pacific, and share insights on how progress for
Pacific media development.

--ENDS

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