PINA

The committee was birthed at last week's inaugural leader's summit of the Pacific Islands News Association.

It follows last year's launch of the Pacific Environment Journalist Network which aims to improve reporting on environmental issues, particularly around climate change.

John Hyde from the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project is assisting the new committee.

Mr Hyde said environmental reporting is important but said corruption can impact all areas.

In his statement for World Media Freedom Day, PINA President Moses Steven said it does not make sense when some of the leaders who have been entrusted to lead end up depriving citizens off their right to information and right to free expression.

Steven said some countries in the region have made progresses in having national media policies as well as passing legislations on Right to Information (RTI), yet there are some governments that continue to antagonise their state owned mediums and threaten to shut them down.

Elected as Vice President is the President of the Palau Media Council, Moses Uludong while joining him on the Board are Solomons Star Editor Ofani Eremae, representing the Print media, and Nuku’alofa Times Publisher/Editor Iliesa Tora, representing the Online/Digital Media sector.

The ONLINE/Digital Media sector is the new addition to PINA.

Retaining their seats on the Board are President Moses Stevens of Vanuatu, Fernando Lobendahn from Fiji TV, who represents TV, Evelyn Toa from Vanuatu representing National Media Associations and Radio Rep Janet Kwalau from NBC PNG.