AUCKLAND (Pacific Media Watch): The founding director of the Pacific Media Centre, Dr David Robie, has been appointed a professor at AUT University and is believed to be the first journalism professor at a New Zealand or Pacific university-based journalism school.
Complimenting Dr Robie on the appointment, Vice-Chancellor Derek McCormack said: "I believe you are a great personal asset to the university and know that you will contribute meaningfully to its intellectual life and scholarship."
Formerly an associate professor for six years in AUT's School of Communication Studies, Dr Robie had previously been head of journalism at both the University of Papua New Guinea and University of the South Pacific for 10 years following a career as an independent Pacific affairs and international journalist.
He gained his doctorate in history/politics and journalism at the University of the South Pacific in 2004 and is the author or editor of nine books, including Mekim Nius: South Pacific media, politics and education.
'An achievement for journalism'
Dr Robie is also founding editor of Pacific Journalism Review, New Zealand's only peer-reviewed journalism research journal.
"I am delighted by the appointment and humbled by all the support I have been given," he said. "It is also an achievement for the journalism profession in the current academic environment."
Professor of journalism Mark Pearson of Bond University in Australia described him as a "mentor to countless Pacific Island journalists, fearless defender of media freedom and tireless editor of Pacific Journalism Review."
Tongan publisher and broadcaster Kalafi Moala described the appointment as a "great achievement" ... Dr Robie had had a "tremendous input in my life and work as a PI journalist".
Tributes flowed into the PMC from all over the globe, and especially from journalism colleagues in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
'Big difference'
Investigative journalist and educator Bonita Mason, from Curtin University in Western Australia credited Dr Robie’s influence on media education in Australia.
“Let me add my good wishes and congratulations ... He makes a big difference to journalism education in Australia (even from here on the west coast).”
Aline Sandilands in the AUT School of Communications Studies said: “No one deserves it more for his utter and complete dedication to his work, and the changes and innovations he keeps making to ensure we all understand and embrace the Pacific world and its people.”
Professor Wendy Bacon from the University of Technology, Sydney, said: “Fantastic news. David has done a huge amount to support journalism education and media freedom and research in our region. Overdue!”
Dr Robie was recognised last night by Pacific media identities at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Pacific Islands Media Association for his contribution to Pacific media and media education in the region.
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