Despite numerous challenges and constraints facing Pacific journalists, European Union ambassador Barbara Plinkert says there are many heartening examples of growing and flourishing media landscapes which deserve to be celebrated and promoted.
Speaking at the World Press Freedom Day celebration at University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus on Friday night, Ms Plinkert spoke about the challenges faced by the media in the EU, and also stressed the vital role played by journalists to report on environmental issues.
She said challenges like climate change and environmental degradation were topics equally of concern to the EU and the Pacific, as climate change and protection of the environment were at the core of political thinking and policy making.
“Journalists have an immense responsibility of being the eyes and ears on the ground, verifying facts, scrutinising those in power, and amplifying marginalised voices,” she said.
“Here in the Pacific, you know better than almost anywhere in the world what climate change looks and feels like and what are the risks that lie ahead.
“You as journalists, who are reporting from the Pacific, play a key role as the world’s ‘eyes and ears on the ground’ of climate change in action.”
Ms Plinkert also encouraged journalists to embrace their role of leading global conversations on issues of great impact, such as climate and the environment.
“Just imagine how much more powerful the messages for global climate action are when they have real faces and real stories attached to them. These are Pacific stories, and with journalists like you sharing these stories with the world, the impact will be amplified.”
While reflecting on the challenges, Ms Plinkert also said 99 journalists and media workers were killed in 2023 alone.
In addition, she said women journalists bore a disproportionate burden, with over 73 per cent facing online harassment, threats, and gender-based violence.
“This appalling statistic represents a stain on our collective commitment to human rights and equality. We must vehemently condemn all attacks on those who wield the pen as their only weapon in the battle for truth.”
