By Gina Maka’a

National broadcaster Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) today launched its new television service – SIBC TV – ahead of the Pacific Games, which officially kicks off this Sunday.

The launch came at the back of SIBC’s 71 years of broadcasting in Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is also the minister responsible for SIBC, was at hand to officiate at the event.

Sogavare said the launch of SIBC TV coincides with the launch of the national broadcaster’s coverage of the 17th Pacific Games, which Solomon Islands is hosting for the first time.

_{Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare being interviewed by Andrea Ma’ahanua and Jonathan Auna of SIBC after the official launch of SIBC TV}

Furthermore, the prime minister said the introduction of SIBC TV is in line with its policy vision, which is a “peaceful, united and progressive Solomon Islands participating, enjoying and learning from a broadcasting that is accessible to all”.

Sogavare also highlighted SIBC’s mission: to provide a  policy and a framework in which broadcasting is available, affordable and accessible to all in SI in-order to support equal participation by all in the social, cultural, economic and political life of the country.

“The Democratic Coalition Government of Advancement is fully committed to this vision and mission and today’s event is a testament to this commitment,” he added.

The prime minister stated SIBC and the national government both have a duty to ensure our people are well informed using multiple media platforms.

^{Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare at the SIBC TV control room with Chief Executive Officer of SIBC, Board Chairman and officials after the launch}

However, Chairman of SIBC board Dr William Parairato says television is an expensive business and calls on the government to maintain its support to the national broadcaster.

Parairato also calls on the Prime Minister and his government to respect SIBC’s editorial independence.

“For SIBC to perform its mandate it must be independent of any political interference,” Parairato said.

“SIBC on its part will ensure not to take any sides but will allow all sides of any issue to be covered adequately,” he added.

The chairman commended the governments of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, United Kingdom  Saudi Arabia  and Papua New Guinea for the support rendered to SIBC through their broadcasting  corporations, namely BBC, Radio New Zealand, ABC Radio, Pasifika TV and PNG National Broadcasting Corporation.

The launch of SIBC TV will enable the national broadcaster, in collaboration with MMG Communication Limited from New Zealand, to be the host broadcaster during the Pacific Games, providing people with the opportunity to watch and listen to the games through television and radio coverage.