GIZO: National broadcaster Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation is planning to operate its own television (TV) service in the country soon.
And work towards that proposal is ongoing, according to the Chairman of the SIBC Board Dr William Parairato in an interview with the Solomon Star early this week.
The plan comes after the broadcaster successfully celebrated its 70th anniversary last September.
He said, its one of the Board’s plan to ensure SIBC TV is up and running which can be accessed in Honiara and the provincial centres.
At the moment SIBC TV produces news throughout the week and broadcasts the news item every Sunday night.
To ensure SIBC TV is able to operate on its own, a proposal is being submitted to the Prime Ministers Office for their consideration, the chairman said.
He could not reveal the exact budget amount of the proposal but only said, it’s a significant amount.
“With the establishment of the TV we will depend on the government. The budget proposal is a big one, because it’s a TV,” he said.
Dr Parairato said, the idea to improve and expand the radio facilities and the services soon the TV service is important so that our people around the country can have access to accurate and reliable information and can make right and informed decisions.
With the Pacific Games coming up later this year, he believes the project to improve and expand the services is very important.
The Chairman is this week leading a small delegation comprising of the hardworking SIBC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnson Honimae and Engineer Patrick Tibaua on a three days visit to the Western Province.
Their first stop was in Gizo early Monday, where they paid a courtesy visit to the newly elected Provincial Premier of the Province Billy Veo.
The team then joined the official opening of a three days media training organized and supported by the United Kingdom Government.
Speaking to the paper Dr Parairato said, his Board is eager to get the projects rolling this year and will depend for ongoing support.
By MOFFAT MAMU
