FIJI: Wansolwara editor praises role of free student press

Saturday, 2 May 2015, 11:49 am
Press Release: Pacific Media Centre

FIJI: Wansolwara editor praises role of free student press at USP

http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/fiji-wansolwara-editor-praises-role-free-student-press-usp-9253

SUVA (University of the South Pacific/Pacific Media Watch): Wansolwara editor Sonal Singh today praised the role of the award-winning student newspaper that has provided a springboard for the region’s aspiring future journalists.

Speaking at the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day event at the University of the South Pacific, Singh also highlighted campus and administration support for Wansolwara.

“We are very happy to report that the Vice-Chancellor’s office has credited our paper with raising important issues that are now receiving the attention of the senior staff at the university,” he said.

He was recently allegedly assaulted by a student leader when the newspaper exposed issues about student finances.

“In addition, we are here to celebrate students’ achievements and the rich diversity of campus life from arts and culture to sports,” he said.

Singh also noted that students and staff of USP could take pride in seeing the achievements being recognised byWansolwara.

The theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day is “Let journalism thrive! Towards better reporting, gender equality and media safety in the digital age.”

Media personalities at the World Press Freedom Day in event in Suva today included USP journalism head Shailendra Singh (second from left), PINA president Moses Stevens and FMA president Ricardo Morris. Image: USP

Talking 'realities'
The chief guest for the celebration, Pacific Islands News Association’s (PINA) president Moses Stevens said such celebrations were important occasions, especially at university level.

Stevens told the journalism students that “it is very important we talk outside of text books and talk about the realities and backgrounds we journalists come from”.

“PINA has always said that the media is a significant component in any good government system,” he said.

Fijian Media Association (FMA) president Ricardo Morris stressed the importance of gender balance in the media industry.

He said that “even though Fiji has quite a good gender balance whereby women are holding top positions in media companies, you can always improve”.

“So all the young women journalists here today, go for important positions in the media where you can actually make decisions,” he said.

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated globally this Sunday.

ENDS

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