AUCKLAND: Rivalry between Vanuatu media figures has come to a head with a slanging match between the Vanuatu Times and the Vanuatu Daily Post.
The disagreement is based around Vanuatu Daily Post publisher Marc Neil-Jones’ recent application for a radio licence with the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC).
The Media Asosiesen blong Vanuatu (MAV) opposed the application on the grounds that the media industry should be included in the reserve list of operations that are restricted to indigenous ni-Vanuatu.
Neil-Jones’ argument is that he has never tried to restrict anyone else from participating and operating in the media industry and has been living in Vanuatu for 21 years, including 17 of them publishing a newspaper.
'Same treatment'
“I have been a Vanuatu passport holder and citizen for the last seven years, married to an Ambae girl and looking after four boys,” said Neil-Jones.
“I am entitled to the same treatment and benefits as any indigenous ni-Vanuatu, as are all citizens.”
However, MAV president Evelyn Toa fears that the indigenous people are being disadvantaged as foreigners have been allowed to invest in Vanuatu.
In a Vanuatu Times article during the week, Toa is quoted as saying “foreigners have been allowed to invest and compete in those industries that the ni-Vanuatu are already investing in". - Pacific Media Watch/Pacific Media Centre
Full article: Vanuatu Media In Radio Licence Row
Alex Perrottet
