Australia supports SIBC in preparation for Pacific Games coverage
Australia’s support for the Solomon Islands media sector is long-standing, and now Australia is supporting the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) to get ready for the 2023 Pacific Games.
ABC International Development (ABCID) delivered more training to SIBC, on behalf of the Australian Government, from 12-16 September, which focused on the use of mobile journalism (MoJo) kits.
SIBC staff who are part of the Mojo training
Over 50 percent of SIBC staff received training from Dave McMeekin, a leading Content Quality Advisor from ABC News in Adelaide. ABC recently distributed MoJo kits to all its locations in Australia, so SIBC staff are now using the best equipment, as preferred by journalists in Australia.
MoJo kits consist of an Android phone, microphone, tripod, and other components that allow a single person to capture high-quality audio and video. The content can be recorded on the phone for later use or sent back to a studio for immediate broadcast. These kits are designed to be portable and operated by one person.
During the training sessions, conducted in small groups of 4 to 5 staff members, the focus was on setting up and maintaining the MoJo kits. In addition, the training included techniques for visual storytelling, which makes it easier to capture short stories in the field. Practical exercises were carried out on the streets of Honiara, including in the Central Market and the Art Gallery.
SIBC staff out in the field trying out the Mojo kits as part of their training
On 23 September 2023, SIBC journalists used the MoJo Kits to report on the Solomon Airlines Peace Marathon – putting into practice the training and equipment they will use during the Pacific Games.
As part of the Australian project, managed by ABCID, SIBC will receive 2 MoJo kits.
SIBC also plans to purchase 2 additional kits, with one of them being stationed in Gizo. These 4 kits will be utilised by SIBC reporters to file stories leading up to and during the Pacific Games.
About ABC International Development
On behalf of the Australian Government, ABC International Development (ABCID) has supported media development in the Solomon Islands for over 15 years. ABCID works with local media outlets to create an inclusive and accessible reporting environment while providing expert guidance on building digital capabilities. ABCID has promoted best practices in areas such as court and sports reporting and facilitated training opportunities for journalists through radio and mobile journalism workshops.
This commitment to collaboration and support is further solidified by the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ABC and SIBC, emphasising the importance of content sharing and joint media development programs.
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AHC statement