by Geogina Maka’a
Solomon Islands National Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) is in the process of reviewing the Broadcasting Act as part of efforts to modernise the national broadcaster.
Chief Executive Officer Johnson Honimae revealed this during SIBC’s 73rd anniversary celebrations today.
Honiara said governance, funding and editorial independence are some of the issues that the Board has decided to include in the new Act they expect to produce after the review.
He said consultations have already been held with the office of the Attorney General, who will be responsible for approving a legal firm that will work with SIBC to draft the Revised Act.
“The legal firm, an international company, has already been identified, it’s just that we need to sign a contract for our engagement with them. So far we’ve given them the Terms of Reference so we are just waiting for their approval,” Honimae said.
He also highlighted that one of SIBC’s achievements as it turns 73 was they are now moving forward and catching up with the rest of the region.
He also confirmed that they are working to finalize the organization’s new strategic plan from 2026 to 2030, now that they are moving into television – a service Honimae described is not cheap.
He also highlighted that with technology moving at a fast pace, SIBC will also work towards including the organization’s digitalization reforms in preparation for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
“We are trying to achieve the two documents, the SIBC Act review and SIBC stratetic plan 2026 to 2030 to enable SIBC to be in a good position to do coverage during Solomon Islands 50th Anniversary,” he said.
SIBC has been digitalizing its operations, including updating its studios with digital technology to improve efficiency and broadcast quality.
SIBC began in 1952 as a government information service known as Solomon Islands Broadcasting Service (SIBS).
SIBS was established after World War II and transitioned to become the SIBC, a state-owned enterprise, in 1976.
SIBC serves as the nation’s trusted voice, providing radio and, more recently, television services to inform, educate, and entertain the diverse population of the Solomon Islands.