THE National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of Papua New Guinea and its sister public broadcaster, the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) on Tuesday signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the areas of exchange of staff, sharing of news content and technical cooperation.
The MoU was signed by the Managing Director of NBC, Mr Kora Nou and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIBC, Mr Johnson Honimae.
Part of the MoU will see NBC provide training for SIBC staff for upcoming Pacific Games in Honiara in November 2023.
“NBC will assist SIBC to train their staff to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Games. The training will include technical and production aspects of covering the Games, such as camera work, commentary, and post-production.
“NBC and SIBC will work together to develop a training plan that meets the needs of SIBC staff,” Mr Nou said.
He said the MoU would also see NBC and SIBC cooperate in the exchange of staff members to promote mutual understanding and experience-sharing.
“Staff exchanges may include anchors, journalists, technical staff, and other personnel deemed necessary by both parties. NBC and SIBC will also exchange news content to enhance the quality and diversity of news coverage,” Mr Nou said.
SIBC CEO Honimae added that under the MoU, NBC and SIBC will also cooperate in technical areas to enhance the quality and efficiency of their operations. Both parties will share technical expertise, experience, and best practices.
“Technical cooperation areas may include transmission and reception of broadcast signals, digital content production and distribution, and other relevant technical areas,” Mr Honimae explained.
Both leaders also commended the SIBC Board and the PNG Minister for Information & Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu, for their foresight and promptness to formally endorse the MoU
Meanwhile, both leaders said they have since contacted the MSG Secretariat in Port Vila to consider including MSG public broadcasters under its ambit.
They said public broadcasters play a significant role in promoting the development agendas of our respective countries, and we can also be a development partner for our MSG grouping.
