Gizo: MEDIA plays an important role in the various aspects of the country’s economic development aspiration.
This was highlighted by Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) chairman Dr William Parairato at the official opening of a three day media training in Gizo on Wednesday, 18th January.
Dr Parairato was the chief guest at the brief opening ceremony of the training on ‘’Key Skills for Multi-Media Reporters and Journalists’.
He said media is one of the important pillars in the country that continues to play and support the development journey of this country.
He therefore, encouraged the six training participants to make use of the opportunity to sharpen their skills and knowledge following the training.
The training is attended by staff from SIBC, Solomon Star and Island Sun who are based in Gizo.
Dr Parairato thanked the British Government through its High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, Thomas Coward and BBC Media Action for funding and coordinating the training.
BBC Media Action senior trainer Naomi Goldsmith is conducting the training with support from Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) representative Gina Maka’a.
Ms Goldsmith in her remarks said media plays an important role in unifying the nation.
As such, she said journalists have a role to inform the nation about what is going on and also ensured they cover issues affecting the people of this country.
Speaking on behalf of MASI Ms Maka’a thanked the United Kingdom (UK) through SI British High Commission and BBC Media Action for making the training possible.
The training is made possible through its BBC Media Action Strengthening Partnership Project with SIBC and MASI.
Ms Maka’a assured provincial based journalists that MASI will continue to ensure they are part of any future training.
Day one of the session focused on; ‘Audiences and the role of the Media, Sources of News and What is News.
The training will end on Friday.
The UK office in Solomon Islands in a statement said it’s been two months since their pilot Media Strengthening Project began in Solomon Islands and the Pacific region for the first time.
“Partnering with the BBC Media Action, Media Association of Solomon Islands – MASI and the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), journalists, reporters, broadcasters, and media practitioners have the opportunity to join training sessions as part of the project.
“Thanks to BBC Senior Trainer Naomi Goldsmith, who held training sessions for journalists in Honiara, Auki and now Gizo in Western Province.,” Ms Maka’a said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
