APIA: The new Pacific regional media association formed last week in Apia has announced that a name change has been made prior to the group’s registration in Samoa.
“We have decided to register as Pasifika Media Association,” said chairman Savea Sano Malifa. “The association will also be known as PasiMA.”
Savea Sano Malifa, editor-in-chief of the Samoa Observer, was elected chair of the new organisation at the group’s inaugural meetings last week.
Kalafi Moala, publisher and CEO of Tonga’s Taimi Media Network, was named vice-chair and John Woods, managing editor of Cook Islands News, serves as secretary-treasurer. PasiMA’s board is comprised of Pacific regional media owners, operators and principals.
The name change was made prior to registration to avoid confusion with other regional bodies with similar acronyms.
“PasiMA in Samoan means concrete fort or stronghold. That’s us. As solid in conviction and in unity as a slap of concrete,” said Savea.
“The Tongan meaning is very similar,” added Moala. “We’re inspired by the sense of strength and solidarity that the new name conveys.”
The new organisation’s objectives, as stated in its constitution, are to promote and defend the values of media freedom, ethics, good governance, and to provide training for all media in the Pacific region.
The PasiMA board is currently developing a workplan that includes a number of initiatives that will be implemented in the coming months. - Pasifika Media Association/Pacific Media Watch
Pacific Media Watch
