THE Media Association Solomon Islands (MASI) has committed to a partnership with SINU to help improve media standards across the Solomon Islands.

The President of MASI, Mr Leni Dalavera, who also works for SIBC, believes this is an important step for media in the Solomon Islands as the industry works to lift its standards.

“It is a very important initiative for the people of the Solomon Islands as the media belongs to the people, and it is important that the media have the highest standards of training and ethics as it delivers the news to the people.

“SINU are a very important stakeholder and it is critical that the training they provide to journalist is of the highest standard”, Mr Dalavera said.

Mr Dalavera applauds the planning that is being considered at SINU to strengthen the training provided by the Media School.

“Training young people is fundamental to the continued growth and success of any industry, and the media industry is no different. We need to continually strive to be better at what we do.”

Through consultation with industry stakeholders, MASI identified that training was one of the most critical issue facing the industry, “journalists, key media organisations and stakeholders all agreed that journalism standards requires further work”.

Furthermore, Mr Dalavera explained that “journalists in the Solomon Islands are generally young, highly motivated and are committed to working to the best of their ability, but I think, and the industry agrees, that we can do more to improve our standards”.

“This is one of the reasons why MASI has recently updated its code of ethics and MASI believes that the industry works hard to maintain high standards of work.”

Dr Susanne Maezama, Dean of Humanities (Acting) at SINU, was pleased with the level of support and commitment shown by the industry as SINU commences the process to improve and upgrade their training.

“SINU believes that lifting the accreditation provided by the Media School from certificate level to a diploma level is an important step that will greatly improve the quality of journalism in this country.

“At SINU, we understand the critical role journalists play in community life, bringing stories to the people, making sure that communities and individuals are able to voice their issues and concerns and keeping our leaders in Government, industry and the community accountable for their decisions and actions.”

Dr Maezama concludes “we have just commenced this process to expand the courses provided at SINU Media School and we are aware it may take some time, but I am very encouraged to see the industry really get behind SINU so that together we can help improve the standards of journalism across the Solomon Islands”.

MASI’s Corporate Plan, which is close to being finalised, identifies as a core objective that industry, in collaboration with training providers, work together to continually improve industry standards.

–MASI PRESS