Aatai John and Charles Kadamana
HONIARA (Solomon Star News/ Pacific Media Watch): Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has emphasised the need for local journalists to be more professional in their career, by "breeding good journalism" that will hold public trust.
Speaking during the Media Association Solomon Islands (MASI) anniversary celebration, he said news media played an important role in any country.
“Our journalists must strive to breed good journalism, showing brilliant efforts in their career to keep the nation inform [sic] on accurate information that is worth reporting in the news."
Sogavare stressed that journalists ought to be professional in their job, by reporting on the right information and not just relying on hearsay.
He said that being a good journalist would help the Solomon Islands to move forward in development and also help the country to trust the work of the media.
Media award
Sogavare also announced a "Prime Minister's Media Excellence Award" would be awarded to a top journalist this year.
He said the government was introducing the award in recognition of the good working relationship that existed with the media.
The award would be in the form of a scholarship to be undertaken in 2016.
“The winner will undertake journalism studies either at Solomon Islands National University or overseas at the government's expense.”
He said, between now and then his press secretariat will be working closely with industry leaders in establishing the selection criteria and other details for the award.
Sogavare said the award would not come easily and journalists must work extra hard to earn consideration for the major prize.
Shared responsibility
He said journalism and the press were a force for good.
“Use it to help lift our nation, rather than dwell heavily on innuendos with their destructive influences," he said.
“The challenge to turn this country into a better place is a shared responsibility as a force that shapes and influences public opinion.”
More details about the award will be announced later in the year.
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Pacific Media Watch
