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Panel discussion on “The prevalence and impact of sexual harassment on women journalists”. Panelists include Laisa Bulatale, Georgina Kekea, Jacqui Berrell, Lice Movono and Dr. Shailendra Bahadur Singh. Moderator: Nalini Singh
photo: Stefan Armbruster
A number of regional and international media representatives recently met at a forum in Fiji to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities facing journalists in the Pacific.
The three-day conference brought together people from the media industry, academia, civil society and other stakeholders.
Fijian budding journalist Shivaali Shrutika says newsrooms need to change with the times.
“No matter where you are, transformation is important, that’s my observation,” she said.
“But no matter what field we work in, especially in mainstream media, we are reaching out to those groups that we want to give a voice to, but first we need to work on becoming better people to understand them, and then portray their thoughts and ideas to our audience.”
She said every reporter and newsroom staff deserves a positive work environment.
“Because journalism is stressful and there are deadlines, it’s important to have positive energy and a flexible work environment where everyone’s work is appreciated, especially for those who are working hard, because it’s important to help boost people’s confidence and create those spaces.”
Next generation of Pacific journalists at Pacific Media Conference in Fiji
photo: Moela Tuilaepa-Taylor
She said some young journalists were leaving the industry due to a lack of support from experienced journalists.
“Young journalists need this kind of help because they are just entering the industry and don’t have confidence in their work, and when they are ignored, it tells a story about their self-confidence.”
Kaneta Namimatau is a final year journalism student at the University of the South Pacific’s Journalist Programme.
“This is the largest media conference I have ever attended and the first one to be held in Fiji in 20 years,” he said.
He said the stories of intimidation and harassment Fijian journalists had been subjected to under the Media Industry Development Act were unacceptable.
For him, the most powerful discussion at the conference was a panel on the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment on female journalists.
Sexual harassment of female journalists in Fiji is a serious problem. Research published earlier this year.
“I was very upset to hear the news and I don’t want my sisters to experience something like this in the workplace.”
Namimatau said the conference strengthened his resolve to become a journalist and work in Fijian journalism.
“I think I can contribute more to Fiji, telling the story of the Banaba people, telling the story of my people. I want to represent my Rabi people as well.”
Participants included scholars such as Associate Professor Shailendra Singh, who helped organize the event.
Dr Singh said this was a critical moment for journalists in the region.
“There are two main reasons. One is that the digital disruption we are familiar with has taken away a lot of advertising revenue from the media industry and mainstream media, and the second is that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this situation.
“I think most media organizations are struggling to survive.”
This was a panel discussion on Pacific media, geopolitics and reporting on the region. Speakers included Lice Movono, Marsali Mackinnon, Kalafi Moala, Nic Maclellan and Dr Nicholas Hoare.
photo: New Zealand Pacific Radio
Singh is one of the coordinators of the journalism program at the University of the South Pacific.
He said the submissions and some of the discussions would be Pacific News Review.
The draconian media laws introduced by the Fiji First Government in 2010, which involved ongoing censorship, were repealed in 2023, creating a new environment for Fijian journalists, where they no longer have to live in fear.
Dr David Roby, publisher of Asia Pacific Report, said this was exactly the conference Fiji needed right now – a forum that did not “shy away” from the challenges facing journalists in the region.
Roby said the panels, especially those on sexual harassment in Pacific journalism, were the best he had ever been a part of.
Other panels addressed similarly difficult topics such as climate change, stress/burnout within the industry, and more.
This is the first conference of its kind in Fiji in 20 years and Singh hopes delegates will take what they have learned back to their newsrooms.
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