Elizabeth Osifelo at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Fiji
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has congratulated senior Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).
Osifelo was elected to the position on the final day of the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Fiji, today.
The summit brought together media professionals and organisations from across the Pacific.
MASI President Ofani Eremae said Osifelo’s election was a significant achievement for Solomon Islands media and reflected the growing contribution of Solomon Islands journalists to regional media leadership.
“I am proud to see senior members of MASI taking up leadership positions in regional media organisations such as PINA,” Eremae said.
“Elizabeth is a highly capable journalist and newsroom leader, so I am confident she will represent the Solomon Islands media industry well at PINA and contribute meaningfully to the development of journalism across the Pacific,” he added.
Eremae, who is also a former PINA board member, said Osifelo’s election demonstrated that Solomon Islands journalists could play important leadership roles beyond the country’s borders.
He added Osifelo’s election should also serve as encouragement to young journalists, particularly women, to aspire to the highest levels of leadership within the media industry.
“Elizabeth’s election sends an important message to our young female journalists,” the MASI president said.
“It shows that with professionalism, commitment and leadership, Solomon Islands journalists can reach the highest levels of regional media organisations.”
Eremae said regional media organisations such as PINA had an important role in strengthening journalism across the Pacific.
He said Pacific newsrooms faced common challenges, including misinformation and disinformation, digital disruption, media sustainability, declining advertising revenues, technological change and the need to reach remote communities.
“We need strong regional leadership to help Pacific media navigate these challenges while protecting the fundamental principles of independent and professional journalism.
“I believe Elizabeth will bring valuable experience from Solomon Islands to that regional conversation.”
The 8th Pacific Media Summit, held from September 21 to 25 in Savusavu, was conducted under the theme “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.”
The summit brought together media leaders, journalists and other stakeholders to discuss the future of Pacific journalism, including press freedom, media sustainability, artificial intelligence, digital innovation and reaching underserved communities.
Eremae said MASI looked forward to supporting Osifelo in her new regional role and wished her well in her term as PINA Vice-President.
“This is not only a proud moment for Elizabeth. It is a proud moment for Solomon Islands journalism and for MASI,” he said.
“We wish her every success and look forward to seeing her make a strong contribution to PINA and to Pacific journalism.”
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MASI statement
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