A key initiative under the MoU is the proposed establishment of the Pacific Centre for Communication and Journalism, to be based at FNU’s Derrick Campus in Samabula.
FNU says the proposed Centre would bring together the university and the media industry, creating more opportunities for journalism education, professional practice, research and industry development to work closely together.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba says the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to serving Fiji and the wider Blue Pacific through meaningful partnerships.
She says that as a national university, FNU promises, as it does with its partners across the Blue Pacific and beyond, that it is here to serve.
Professor Nabobo-Baba says FNU and the Fijian Media Association intend to work with the Pacific Islands News Association and the wider Pacific media community.
She says through this partnership, they have an opportunity to contribute to stronger journalism, not only in Fiji but across the Blue Pacific region.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted that the proposed Centre would take an industry-led approach to journalism education, with working media professionals expected to play an important role in shaping learning and professional development opportunities for aspiring and practising journalists.
FMA President Rosi Tamani-Doviverata described the MoU as an important moment for the media industry, particularly because it gives journalists and media organisations a direct role in shaping the future of journalism education.She says for many years, most of those in the room have seen how important it is to cover everyone else’s moments.
Doviverata thanked the FNU Vice-Chancellor for giving the media industry something that is rarely offered, which is the opportunity to lead in Fiji and across the Pacific.
She says the rapidly changing media environment has made stronger collaboration between universities and newsrooms increasingly important, with the news industry changing faster than at any other point in its history.
Doviverata says that for years, when newsrooms in smaller Pacific nations needed experienced journalists, the answer was often to recruit from Fiji.
She also called on development partners and sponsors to support professional development opportunities for journalists from Pacific Island countries who may otherwise be unable to access training.
Doviverata says the partnership also brings together media organisations that may compete for audiences and stories but have united through the Fijian Media Association behind a common vision for the future of journalism.
