Meet your Distaem Nao host, SIBC’s Henry Oritaimae

It is something Henry Oritaimae never planned to do – but now he can’t imagine life at SIBC without it.

Mr Oritaimae is the host of Distaem Nao, SIBC’s current affairs program broadcast live every weekday from the SIBC studios at 7am to 7.30am, and repeated at 10.30am.

The show is essential listening for anyone interested in the state of the Solomon Islands, exploring the big stories affecting the country through insightful interviews with polictical and business leaders.

Mr Oritaimae, who has worked at SIBC since 2005 when he arrived as a fresh-faced junior radio announcer, said the show, as its name suggests, focused on the that are happening right now, everyday.

“A lot of programs are pre-recorded, but this is live from the studios everyday,” he said. “It’s hard work, I get up at about 4.30am everyday and I’m at work on Sundays to make sure the content is fresh and interesting.”

“The first two weeks were hard, but I enjoy it now.”

Mr Oritaimae took the role on in March, and is the first staff member to take it on permanently. Previously news staff rotated through the hosts chair.

After returning from journalism studies in Fiji, he said the hosts role was made for him by management. And he has plans to make the program even better.

“There’s always room for improvement,” he said. “And we have a few new ideas which we plan to introduce later this year.  But it’s important to make it live and interactive with the listeners.

“The program is a catalyst in the morning to get people thinking.”