The Pacific Media Partnership Conference began yesterday, bringing together influential figures from media, technology, and activism to discuss key issues facing the Pacific region.
Themed “Pacific Cultures in a Global World,” the conference featured discussions on women in leadership, digital transformation, and the changing landscape of Pacific media.
The day started with a Women in Leadership panel, moderated by ABC journalist Lice Movono. The panel included notable leaders such as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran; Head of ABC International, Claire Gorman; and Senior Program Producer at Tonga Broadcasting Commission, Sharon Elone. The panelists shared their insights on empowering women to take on leadership roles across the Pacific.
The conference also delved into the intersection of technology and journalism, with a Technology Showcase on AI in the newsroom, presented by Abhishek Kapil, senior manager at Whiteways Systems. The session explored how artificial intelligence is transforming newsrooms and discussed its potential for improving the news cycle.
One of the key highlights of the afternoon was the Starlink and Digital Transformation of the Pacific session. Richard Broadbridge, group managing director at Lightspeed, addressed the importance of connectivity in the region and emphasised how new technologies like Starlink are playing a crucial role in enhancing digital infrastructure.
Delegates also participated in workshops on multimedia news and video journalism that featured ABU Director of News Deborah Steele, TVNZ journalist Indira Stewart, and Stefan Armbruster, Head of Pacific News at Radio Free Asia/Benar News. The sessions provided valuable insights into the evolving future of journalism and the tools needed to navigate the digital age.
The Pacific Media Partnership Conference continues to serve as an essential platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaboration, and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities confronting the Pacific media industry in a rapidly changing global environment. This year’s conference has sparked insightful discussions and strengthened networks, creating lasting connections among media professionals. It ends on Thursday.
