ABC and Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation sign a historic agreement

ABC and Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation sign a historic agreement – The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) today exchanged a new Memorandum of Understanding at SIBC headquarters in Honiara.

The agreement between the two public broadcasters solidifies their commitment to collaboration and support, with an emphasis on content sharing and media development programs.

It recognises the crucial role of public broadcasters as cultural institutions that connect and inform audiences while promoting democracy. It highlights the importance of mutual learning and growth, demonstrating the dedication of both organisations to working together to serve audiences better.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said:

“The ABC is delighted to continue its partnership with the SIBC. The agreement strengthens media collaboration and exchange between the ABC and the SIBC through training, sharing media expertise and providing technical and program support. We will learn from each other as we seek to serve our audiences better.”

SIBC Chief Executive Officer Johnson Honimae said:

“The SIBC Board, management, and staff but more importantly our listeners, viewers and followers of SIBC radio, SIBC TV and SIBC online are so grateful to the ABC for agreeing to continue the partnership between the two broadcasting organisations by signing the MoU.

“With the digitisation of broadcasting, such a partnership as outlined in the MoU is the only way to go for a small broadcaster such as SIBC. We need the help of one of the longest broadcasters in the Pacific region. There is much to share including in the areas of capacity building, technology, and content especially as SIBC, after 70 years of broadcasting is finally expanding into television.

“SIBC looks forward to working together with our colleagues at ABC to continue to inform, educate, entertain and engage our peoples.“

Background

The Memorandum of Understanding builds upon an existing strong relationship between the ABC and SIBC.

The SIBC was established in 1976 by the Broadcasting Ordinance. It serves the country’s many scattered islands and communities, broadcasting on the radio, television, and online platforms. For most people in the Solomon Islands, the SIBC is the primary source of information, education, and entertainment, as well as engagement through online platforms. It is the source of information during times of natural disasters and during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The SIBC intends to launch a national television service, the first of its kind in the 70 years of broadcasting in the Solomon Islands, in time for the 17th Pacific Games in November 2023, to be held in the capital Honiara.

A senior ABC delegation is currently visiting the Solomon Islands to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and local media. During this visit, the delegation exchanged MOUs with SIBC and toured the national broadcaster.

ABC Australia (the ABC’s international TV channel) is available through Satsol TV and the TTV platform. ABC Radio Australia is broadcast in the Honiara region on 107 FM. ABC news digital content is syndicated to the Solomon Times and Island Sun. The ABC’s flagship digital offering under the ABC Pacific brand includes the ABC Pacific Facebook page, which has strong engagement from Solomon Island followers. The ABC is enhancing its coverage of Solomon Island affairs on ABC Australia, ABC Radio Australia, ABC Pacific digital and on the ABC’s domestic services with the appointment of Honiara-based local journalist Chrisnrita Leong.

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.

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