PM Rabuka Calls for Stronger Pacific Media at 8th Pacific Media Summit

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for a strong, independent and resilient media sector as more than 200 media professionals and stakeholders from across the Pacific gather for the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu.

The summit is being held under the theme “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.”

Addressing participants, Rabuka linked the theme to Fiji’s vision of an Ocean of Peace, describing it as a shared vision for a secure, resilient, peaceful and united Blue Pacific.

He said digital innovation was helping bridge the vast distances across the Pacific and providing remote communities with greater opportunities to have their voices heard.

Rabuka urged journalists to practise what he described as “Constructive Pacific Journalism”, while maintaining independence, courage and a commitment to connecting communities.

He said the media’s role in questioning, investigating and holding institutions accountable was an essential part of democracy.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the Coalition Government’s decision to repeal the Media Industry Development Act, saying it reaffirmed the commitment to a media sector that is free to question, investigate, challenge and inform.

He stressed that a pluralistic, financially resilient and independent media was important to maintaining a healthy democracy.

Rabuka also highlighted Fiji’s SAUTU Counter-Disinformation Framework, calling for stronger media literacy and responsible journalism amid the growing influence of misinformation and artificial intelligence.

A key feature of the summit was the launch of the Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism, a partnership between Fiji National University and the Fijian Media Association.

The centre aims to strengthen journalism training, research and cooperation among media organisations across the Pacific.

In his closing remarks, Rabuka urged Pacific media to take greater ownership of the region’s narrative.

“We must tell our own stories. The Pacific should not only be spoken about. The Pacific must also speak for itself,” he said.

Following his address, Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) executives presented the Prime Minister with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his commitment to freedom of speech and expression.