PRIME Minister Dr Derek Sikua says his government has supported local media through advertisement because it has a policy to encourage local businesses.
Dr Sikua, who was also the patron of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), was speaking on Friday during the annual media freedom celebration which also coincided with the inaugural launch of the MASI awards night.
Dr Sikua said he has noted growth in the local media industry.
“There are now three daily newspapers, one Sunday newspaper, one television station, the state-owned broadcasters, the SIBC and four FM stations, three commercial and one religious,” he said.
He further added that the media development culminates from the fact that the CNURA government has been media friendly and has been the first government to support all the media organisations through advertising.
“We support your radio stations and newspapers because it is the CNURA government’s policy to support indigenous entrepreneurship so they can grow and provide jobs for young Solomon Islanders,” he said.
In return for the cooperation of the media, the office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet used their services to advertise vacancies, congratulatory messages and placing special messages when VIPs passed away, he said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
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