Workshops help strengthen media literacy in the Pacific

While preparations for Niue’s 50th Constitution Day celebrations are in full swing, representatives from the Pacific Media Network or PMN hosted a series of journalism workshops.

The sessions, funded by the United States Embassy, were to educate the public about disinformation.

PMN Director of News, Samson Samasoni, says the workshops highlight the crucial role journalists play in combatting disinformation.

“The workshops we’ve been conducting in Niue have been to help school students, members of the public and NGOs understand a bit about disinformation and the role journalists play in helping to combat disinformation.

“We’ve tried to give people an introduction to journalism and the role media plays, and then explain the difference between disinformation and misinformation.

“Particularly we’re very keen for people to understand disinformation because when there’s a deliberate attempt to campaign/promoate false information, we need to make sure people aren’t getting harmful information that could affect them negatively.”

Throughout the week, students, members of the public, NGOs, and journalists unpacked the issues.

Head of News for the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue, Esther Pavihi, said the workshops were a “wonderful opportunity” to discuss more about disinformation.

PMN News/Sariah Magaoa.

Pavihi reflected on the Covid-19 pandemic and the circulation of disinformation online.

“I think the experiences that we faced a few years ago with the pandemic highlighted how significant information and accuracy in our roles as reporters to ensure ethical principles are held.

“And how challenging that time was for us with social media, disinformation out there, it actually made our work a lot harder.

“For us here in Niue, because we’re so small, and that’s the benefits of being such a small community, people knew when information was not accurate. And people here trust government sources, so when the source was from a government agency or a leader, people trust that source.

“And as a national broadcaster with BCN news, we always get our information directly from the sources in Government.”

Pavihi says the work of journalists in Niue is difficult, as their team of two is often stretched.

She hopes the younger generation of Niueans will take an interest in journalism as a way to spread truthful, correct information.

“The population issue for us in Niue is one of the biggest challenges, and that’s seen in the media and in the newsroom because there’s very little interest in the media.

“I’m hoping that young people will become interested in information and working in the media space. It’s not just about news, it’s about telling our stories, using our vagahau, and being proud of who we are as Niueans.”

Jamal Talagi-Veidreyaki, from the Niue Island United Association for NGOs, said the workshops were a “really good initiative”.

“I think journalism is one of those sectors that is often overlooked as one of the key areas we need to build capacity in Niue.

“Information is good, accurate information is important for the general public and I think often it’s capacity. The human resource (lacks) to carry out the work in journalism.

“As an NGO, we depend a lot on the media to share our stories and the work that we do. We fall back on things like social media and do it ourselves, because we want to share stories and put out information.

“We would love for more young people to come through, NGO’s to connect with young journalists in New Zealand our diaspora, and these are some areas our young people can help with some of the areas on the ground here in Niue.”