Journalists and media organisations across the Pacific are being offered a greater role in shaping the future of journalism education through a new and partnership between the Fijian Media Association and the Fiji National University.
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Pacific Centre for Media and Journalism at FNU’s Samabula Campus, marking a significant step towards closer collaboration between the journalism industry and the university.
The MoU was signed at the opening of the 8th Pacific Islands News Association Summit at Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu, in the presence of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Association President Rosi Doviverata says the partnership is different because the Fijian media industry will not simply be involved as a guest, but as a founding partner in the programme.
Doviverata says the media industry is changing faster than ever, and the people best placed to say what a journalist needs to know are those doing the job every day.
She says the Fijian Media Association will have a key role in shaping the programme and bringing working editors into the classroom.
The Association President also says the centre has the potential to address the movement of experienced journalists within the region.
She says that for years, when newsrooms in smaller Pacific nations needed an experienced journalist, the answer was often to recruit from Fiji.
She says there is now a better offer, which is to send their journalists to Fiji to train and grow with the industry.
Doviverata says Fiji is ready to play a leading role, but stresses that regional cooperation is essential.
Vice-Chancellor of FNU, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba says the partnership reflects a shared commitment by the university and the media to seek truth and serve communities.
Professor Nabobo-Baba says FNU has been working to reach people in rural and remote communities who have not been able to access the university through its doors.
She acknowledged the challenges facing FNU’s Department of Media, saying the university has watched the media industry continue its work despite similar struggles with resources.
She says the partnership with the FMA and Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) will allow the university to strengthen its ability to communicate with people in Fiji and across the Pacific.
She says the university has a responsibility to help preserve history and contribute to a better future.
The Vice-Chancellor says FNU, as a national university, is committed to serving its partners across the Pacific and beyond.
