Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has welcomed ongoing consultations for the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation’s (SIBC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting the public broadcaster in keeping Solomon Islanders informed and connected.
During a courtesy visit over the weekend, SIBC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Johnson Honimae, accompanied by delegates from Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) of New Zealand – Deputy Chair Ms. Caren Rangi and Mr. Ivan Harre – briefed the Prime Minister on the consultation process. These discussions are helping SIBC shape its strategic direction for the next five years.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the importance of SIBC in keeping communities informed. “Despite the changing media environment, SIBC remains the voice of the nation,” he said.
“In a scattered country like the Solomon Islands, radio is a unifying force. As both a public broadcaster and a commercial station, SIBC faces challenges, but the Government for National Unity and Transformation will continue to support it.”
The Prime Minister also noted how SIBC contributes to the Government’s four pillars – national unity and stability, economic transformation, infrastructure development, and human capital development – particularly in fostering national unity and keeping citizens informed.
SIBC CEO Mr. Honimae highlighted that the New Zealand Government has agreed to fund the formulation of the Strategic Plan, with PCBL providing technical support throughout the consultation process. PCBL, established in 2015 and funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, supports Pacific public broadcasters by providing content, training, equipment, and technical guidance. Its goal is to strengthen regional media services and help broadcasters like SIBC deliver quality programming to their audiences.
PM Manele thanked the New Zealand Government for its support through PCBL and expressed optimism about SIBC’s future under the new Strategic Plan.
He assured SIBC CEO Mr. Honimae of the Government’s ongoing support and highlighted that the Prime Minister’s Office, under its Development Budget, will continue providing substantial funding to SIBC.
He added that his office will explore ways for the broadcaster to access this funding more effectively to support its work.
SIBC was repositioned in 2022 from a State-Owned Enterprise to a National Broadcaster under the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), within the Prime Minister’s Information Service portfolio.
Other operational priorities discussed during the meeting include technical upgrades and national coverage initiatives, such as the revival of SIBC’s Lata studio in Temotu Province. Ongoing planning work for Radio Temotu in Lata is being supported by OPMC’s Chief Infrastructure Officer.
– OPMC
