The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) will join the global community to celebrate World Press Freedom Day on May 5 with a panel discussion that will explore sustainability challenges local media organisations are facing.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3, following a 1993 declaration by the United Nations General Assembly.
This year’s global theme is “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.
MASI however, is bringing the spotlight closer to home with its own national focus: “Strengthening Media Independence and Sustainability in Solomon Islands.”
MASI President Ofani Eremae said the local theme was chosen to reflect the unique challenges and opportunities facing Solomon Islands media in a time of rapid global transformation.
“While the global conversation rightly focuses on the rise of artificial intelligence and its complex relationship with journalism, here in the Solomon Islands we must also look inward—at the structural issues of media independence, financial sustainability, and the working conditions of journalists,” Eremae said.
He added that World Press Freedom Day is not only a time to celebrate the essential role of the press in a democratic society, but also to reflect on how that role can be protected and strengthened.
“Journalists in Solomon Islands continue to serve the public interest under difficult conditions,” Eremae said.
“We must ensure our media institutions remain independent, viable, and free from undue influence—whether political, commercial, or technological,” he said.
Eremae said Monday’s World Press Freedom Day event will discuss and explore current challenges and how media organisations could weave their way around and ensure they keep performing their role.
Throughout this week, MASI has been running a media awareness campaign on local news outlets to highlight the important role journalists play in our democracy.
Meanwhile, in a press conference today, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele thanks members of the media for their ongoing commitment to keeping the people of Solomon Islands informed and wished all Journalists Happy World Press Freedom Day.
“As we approach the World Press Freedom Day on 3rd May, I recognize your important role in supporting our democracy and wish you a meaningful observance of this occasion,” said Mr Manele.