"Policy and Legislation: Communications legislation is broadly based on a US model. States are responsible for media legislation and regulation, resulting in uneven development in this area. Freedom of speech is guaranteed in the constitution, and freedom of media has not been challenged in recent y
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ears. Telecommunications is regulated nationally; FSM Telecommunications Corporation is the only telecommunications provider.
Media Systems: There is a shortage of technicians in Pohnpei. Technicians in Pohnpei, at the different companies, generally support one another, both formally (for a fee) and informally. Technical support is available through US-based companies. The Disaster Preparedness Plan has recently been reviewed; the key stakeholders had not yet been briefed on their roles and responsibilities. There is no local awareness of an emergency communications or broadcasting plan. The national government has recently installed new sirens in Pohnpei; similar systems are planned for the rest of the states.
Capacity Building: There are reports of at least two new media associations being launched in Micronesia with strong links to FSM, though interviewees did not report being part of those groups and regional travel was raised as an issue; one local Catholic media production organisation is supported by a regional Catholic media association. The College of Micronesia’s media program has been discontinued due to staff shortages, raising an issue of the sustainability of initiatives that rely on individuals. As well as a shortage of employment options for media and journalism students, there are social and cultural issues with young people trained in journalism questioning elders, resulting in the limiting of career options. Media and communications practitioners report using the internet to teach themselves new skills. Lack of targeted training invitations can result in valuable training opportunities being missed by the most appropriate people within organisations.
Content: NGO, church and government groups are active content producers on a range of themes. Radio staff are seen as not having the capacity to clearly communicate climate change issues. There is a lack of connection between media and climate change organisations. Currently, NCD communication and awareness activities are not coordinated; there are plans to better coordinate the different stakeholders." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: Since the introduction of the government’s Media Decree in 2012, the Fiji Media Industry Development Authority censors and controls the media industry. The constitution guaranteeing freedom of the press has been suspended since 2009. Threats against local and international
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journalists and editors have been common since the military takeover. Some sections of the Fiji Media Council Code of Ethics are included in the Media Decree but others are left out. Regular amendments create a tense atmosphere in the Fijian media industry. Fiji government representatives nevertheless argue that the various decrees, which were put in place, have empowered the general population by giving them greater voice and improved their access to information.
Media Systems: Fiji has had a National Disaster Management Plan since 1995. Radio Fiji and FM96 are used to communicate emergency warnings during natural disasters. The Early Warning System also includes SMS messages, warning sirens, cars with speakers, and word of mouth. Fiji has agreements with telecommunications companies to provide emergency calls for free. During 2011 floods, social network sites were used by people to access information. Most technicians have no formal training and there is no institution in Fiji offering broadcast technicians training. Technicians with formal training may have qualifications in related fields from Fiji National University. There is no formal network of technicians in Fiji. Informal networks and internet forums are used to seek advice and information. FemLINKpacific trains women in content production using radio, video and mobile suitcase transmitters.
Capacity Building: Several education and training initiatives are available in the area of media and communications in Fiji; the main institutions are USP and FNU. Fiji is an education hub for the region. Journalists also receive on the job training, and access training and workshops offered by SPC and UN agencies. Recent training has focused on media law training in relation to the new regulations and amendments. FNU offers vocational courses in journalism, media production, and technical skills, and film production. FNU’s completion rate is 80 per cent. Graduate outcomes are recorded. Many graduates choose to work in the NGO sector. FNU is challenged by a shortage of teachers. There is no media association in Fiji. The Fiji Media Council closed following the changes in legislation in 2009 and 2010.
Content: Climate change is a national priority. USP is playing a leading role in using participatory approaches to climate change communication. There is a lack of awareness of the impacts of climate change in the general community. There is a reported ‘jargon gap’; bridging this gap is seen as important. There is no targeted training around NCDs for journalists. Climate change communication occurs across many media outlets including radio, TV, Several communication initiatives on the topic of NCDs have been broadcast in Fiji, including radio campaigns and TV documentaries. These are in conjunction with inter-personal communication methods." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: The Constitution protects freedom of expression, but there are no explicit references to freedom of media. Freedom of media was specifically included in the Tuvalu Media Corporation Act of 1993, but since being de-corporatised in 2008, the Tuvalu Media Department is no longe
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r separated from the government. The Public Order Act was used in 2011 to ban political meetings for a short time. There is no market competition in telecommunications, and no liberalisation legislation in place.
Media Systems: Tuvalu has recently had upgrades to equipment funded by Japan, but technicians are worried about how they would cope with breakdowns after the one year warranty expires. Internet connections are unreliable and intermittent. Technicians are keen to be involved in support networks. Emergency plans are associated with tsunamis and cyclones; they do not have a communications section, so knowledge of communication procedures is informal. Disaster awareness is hampered to some extent by faith-based rejections of risks.
Capacity Building: Few media professionals, including the technicians, have formal qualifications. Funding is a barrier to accessing regional and international training. There are no separate media organisations or associations in Tuvalu, and there is only one media outlet. The TMD is a member of PINA, although access to training and support remains problematic.
Content: Central-periphery divides have an impact on the news and content included in mass media. Media coverage of climate change is low, and despite some faith-based rejections of risks, churches have become leading advocates of climate change issues. Face-to-face communication is preferred for disaster awareness. The TMD shows great enthusiasm for covering NCD issues in a variety of formats." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: The government broadcaster VBTC administers broadcast licences in Vanuatu. Under the Newspaper Act 1982, newspaper owners must be Vanuatu citizens. Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the constitution, but there is no specific protection for freedom of media, and threats
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against journalists are fairly common. The Media Association Blong Vanuatu (MAV) has a code of ethics for its members but no mechanism for enforcing its provisions.
Media Systems: During an emergency, NDMO coordinates communication and works with all existing radio stations including VBTC to get information out. There is a national disaster plan drafted that is currently under review. VBTC has no emergency disaster plan. TVL, the only landline provider in Vanuatu, has its own in-house procedures in the case of an emergency. A major challenge is coverage, upgrading TV and radio services to other provinces, and ensuring that equipment is maintained.
Capacity Building: The Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) in Port Vila offers a two-year Diploma and one-year Certificate course. There are efforts being made to develop a feeder media and communication curriculum for Year 11 and 12. While enrolled, it is common for students to undertake internships and develop their industry networks for possible future employment. Technicians in Vanuatu either learn on the job or obtain their training overseas. The Media Association Blong Vanuatu (MAV) was established in 2006. MAV has an office at the VIT and relies on volunteers.
Content: Vanuatu has an active meteorology department, which heads the climate change task force; The Vanuatu Association for NGOs does intense work on climate change with its partners. Climate change awareness in Vanuatu to date has been done both via mass media and via community-based work. Integration of climate change issues into the school curriculum has been started. There is a Policy on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) but no communication strategy. The government works in partnership with stakeholders in the NGO sector to produce programs on NCDs. Media coverage around NCDs mainly includes news stories of events or publications of reports." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: The Prime Minister is responsible for broadcasting and telecommunication portfolios. The Broadcasting Act of 1989 covers the provision of commercial and community broadcast licences. Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the constitution. The Cook Islands is the first count
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ry to pass FOI legislation in the Pacific. The Telecommunications Act of 1989 is tailored for Telecom Cook Islands.
Media Systems: Technicians are not formally connected to any particular media association or support network, but often call on people in their own personal and professional networks. Several companies have plans to upgrade network infrastructure (Telecom, private radio station). There are reportedly plans to upgrade to broadband internet and to enable connections across all islands. This project is a major priority for most of the people interviewed. There is currently no formal emergency communication plan for broadcasters, but radio broadcasters have some basic awareness of the role of radio in an emergency.
Capacity Building: There are some innovative programs in Cook Islands, including a media studies course for Form 6 students at the local Tereora College. Many media outlets offer internships/cadetships to graduates. All media and communications organisations in the Cook Islands find that access to funding limits training opportunities, with the exception of Telecom, which has a budget but no appropriate opportunities. The national media association, Cook Islands Media Association, is not fully functional despite numerous efforts to revive it. Very few media professionals have tertiary qualifications.
Content: The largest media company, Elijah Communications, has a particular interest in climate change issues. The primary challenge in reporting on climate change is translating technical terms into local languages. The Ministry of Health makes strategic and regular use of media in its campaigns and health promotions. Media outlets report covering NCD issues." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: The Ministry of Transportation and Communication is responsible for registering broadcasting stations. Freedom of speech and the press are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. There is no media self-regulating body, and no media association. There is no FOI legislation. Telecom
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munications are currently a monopoly but the government is working with the World Bank to open the market to competition.
Media Systems: Technicians primarily use personal and professional networks for assistance. Equipment providers are also a source of advice. NTA is a member of PITA and ITU. The National Disaster Management Plan is currently under review. There is a lack of clarity of the roles and responsibilities in a disaster, and a perceived lack of political will. Some available communication technologies are not being integrated.
Capacity Building: NGOs have been able to access limited opportunities for media and communications training. Most technicians are trained on the job. There is no local media association. There are no local TVET courses relating to media and communication.
Content: Radio remains an important platform in the Marshall Islands. WUTMI is a significant contributor of C4D content. Several NGOs are active advocates regarding climate change. Government departments and NGOs use radio for NCD communication." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: Media legislation includes the Broadcasting Act 1976, the Television (Amendment) Act 1996, the Telecommunications Act 2009 and the draft Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation Bill 2003. Freedom of speech, and freedom of the press are guaranteed through the Solomon Islands
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Constitution (Article 12). The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has been developing a code of conduct for journalists and media practitioners. Telecoms are governed under the Telecommunications Act 1972, under which the Ministry of Post and Communications is the regulatory authority.
Media Systems: There is limited training for media and communications technicians, especially for engineering and transmission work. The Solomon Islands Media Assistance Scheme (SOLMAS) was noted as a support and advice network for media organisations and individuals. Media technical staff sit on the National Disaster Emergency Authority Committee and broadcasters are Critical Infrastructure Agencies in disasters. The Hyogo Progress Report states that there is currently insufficient knowledge and awareness in regard to disaster response roles and responsibilities. Not enough resources are allocated to implement the National Plan at the provincial and community level.
Capacity Building: The Solomon Islands National University has a two year certificate program in media/journalism studies (for entry-level only). Don Bosco Technical Centre offers weekend high school programs, or tailor made courses to media workers from organisations. Professional training has largely been done through the Solomon Islands Media Assistance Scheme (SOLMAS), or on-the-job.
Content: The Pacific Adaption to Climate Change Project on Solomon Islands is creating its own communication guidelines covering medium, target audience and content. Some journalists have received training on climate change reporting. NCDs are specifically noted in the National Health Strategic Plan and the Health Department has a fully equipped Media Unit that produces health materials. According to the Unit, the HIV/AIDS Division is the most proactive compared to others." (Summary of findings)
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"Policy and Legislation: Media and Communication Legislation in Samoa includes the Broadcasting Act 2010, Film Control Amendment Act 2010, Newspapers and Printers Act 1992-1993, Telecommunication Act 2005, Telecommunication Amendment Act 2007, Telecommunication Amendment Act 2008 and the Samoa Broad
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casting Corporation Act 2003. Section 13 of Samoa’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, though there is no specific reference to freedom of the media. No freedom of information legislation in Samoa. The Broadcasting Act 2010 allowed for the establishment of a regulator within an Office of the Broadcasting Regulator. The Code of Ethics was developed by JAWS (Journalists Association of Western Samoa). The Telecommunication Act 2005 (with the 2007 and 2008 amendments) allowed for telecommunications regulatory responsibilities to be managed within the Office of the Broadcasting Regulator. Samoa has also developed policies in the area of ICTs and e-Government.
Media Systems: There are no specific associations for technicians and no support networks; JAWS is not viewed as a successful network for technicians. Telecommunications technicians access knowledge within their companies. The primary media outlet in a disaster is the government AM radio broadcaster, 2AP (within the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology). There is also a National Emergency Telecommunications Plan that involves landline and mobile providers (Digicel and BlueSky Samoa). The Disaster Monitoring Office uses media strategically in the lead up to drills and awareness days, and has published locally produced videos online relating to disaster preparedness and awareness.
Capacity Building: JAWS and PINA provide support to media professionals in SAMOA. PasiMA was also established with several representatives from Samoan media. Reliance on in-house training is not as easy for all local media outlets and the need to train junior staff is a drain on the time of senior staff. The Media and Journalism Department at the National University of Samoa (which merged with Samoa Polytechnic in 2006) offers a one-year certificate in journalism; an additional diploma year was added in response to industry dissatisfaction with the quality of graduates. The course curriculum is based on the Pacific Media Communication Facilities (PMCF) course design developed by PINA and is being implemented across the other TVETS in the Pacific (Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu and Tonga). A major challenge of the programs is that enrolling at the polytechnic is one of the only options for further education open to students who have not achieved high academic scores in the PSSV (Pacific Secondary School Certificate).
Content: Samoa has made progress in relation to climate change awareness, and concern among the government, the media and the general public is reported to be medium or high. Little access to workshops and training for media professionals is reported on NCDs or climate change. Training is welcome, particularly for assistance with interpreting scientific reports written in English. Barriers to media coverage of NCD-related issues are reported to include confused messages due to the fragmentation of the health sector; a lack of awareness of who is responsible for health communication; lack of targeting of messages; and conflicting messages. Youth have been important to disaster awareness activities; the school curriculum includes climate change and disaster management with resource kits available for teachers from early childhood level through to secondary school." (Summary of findings)
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