Running media outlets in Solomon Islands present both opportunities and significant challenges due to several key factors.
During the World Press Freedom Day celebration at Heritage Park Hotel on Monday, journalists attended presentations and panel discussions covering various topics, including the economic challenges of operating media in Solomon Islands.
Robert Iroga, Editor and Publisher of SBM Online, shared insights on managing his small media business in the country.
He emphasized that running a media outlet is not easy, as he handles all aspects of the operation with minimal support from the government, private sector, or other entities.
Iroga noted that his only recent external support came during the election period when he received a computer from the Australian Government. While this equipment made his work easier, he still struggles to keep his business operational.
Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction with the modest income he generates from advertising and consultation work with clients who seek his expertise.
Modi Nanau of Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) also discussed the economic challenges faced by her organization.
She revealed that SIBC operates on an annual budget of approximately $23 million, with $5 million provided by the government.
The remaining funds must be generated through revenue collection from advertising programs and other initiatives to sustain SIBC’s operations.
Nanau highlighted that advertising has been particularly challenging for SIBC, requiring the organization to innovate in order to generate sufficient revenue. SIBC now operates across multiple platforms—radio, online, and television—to disseminate important information to their audience throughout the country.
Despite the numerous challenges SIBC experiences, Nanau emphasized that employees remain passionate about their mission to inform, entertain, and educate listeners and readers nationwide.
Solomon Star, one of the largest newspaper companies in the country, has also faced significant economic challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 riots sparked by political issues.
Solomon Star’s Online Editor and Chief of Staff, Moffat Mamu, discussed these challenges during the panel and outlined strategies the company has implemented to remain operational during financial hardships.
Mamu echoed the sentiments expressed by Iroga and Nanau regarding the difficulties with advertising.
“This has become a major challenge for all media outlets in the country, as many private companies now prefer online advertising over traditional media platforms like newspapers and radio,” he said.
He also thanked the government and donor partners for their ongoing support through advertisements as well as providing training and equipment to ensure journalists are able to do their work.
Government assured the panel discussions that they will still do their advertising by using print and radio.
Some media organizations receive assistance from international aid donors when requested.
However, all participating media representatives emphasized that despite receiving such support, their reporting remains neutral and fact-based to ensure the public is well-informed.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
