Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has re-emphasized the need for local journalists to strive for quality reporting.
He re-iterated this to go inline with the theme of this year World Press Freedom Day ‘Let Journalism thrive towards better reporting, gender equality and Media safety in the digital age.’
He said, everyone know the importance of media freedom cannot be over-stated nor can its power be under estimated.
“The Media has the potential to build or destroy but it also important that the power of the media is not a licence for journalists to write or broadcast the first piece of information that comes to hand without checking fact.”
He said, media freedom come with awesome responsibility- a responsibility that lies largely with journalist-the very people who practice the craft.
He said, UNESCO Secretary General Ban Kin Moon emphazise the need for thriving journalism to be anchored in quality reporting and he too want to emphazise the same message.
“I know your job is not easy but I think that there is room for improvement in reporting news here.
“We know sensationalising issues is a good marketing tool but as journalists you should anchored in quality reporting.”
He said the country has and continue to enjoy media freedom in large measure and the government will continue to lend support to an enabling environment in which journalism thrives.
President of Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) Leni Dalevera appealed to key players in the Media industry including publishers, media workers, government and other stakeholders to re-think the role of the media in the respective communities.
“As president of MASI I would like us to focus on improving the security and especially welfare of our media workers.
“Let us look within to see if we have been fair in the treatment of our media workers and provided them an environment where they are free to express themselves and report freely,” he said.
Mr Leni said, if the media personals are confident and work in a free and inclusive environment, it will reflect positively on the media organisation.
He also urges media owners to allow their workers to join and positively contribute to the progress of the media body MASI.
He said, MASI serves as a platform where media organisations pool and share their resources for training and professional development.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
