UNESCO is hosting the World Press Freedom Day conference at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By Vincent Murwira, in Auckland.

Journalism and press freedom will always be under threat, not just from technology but from the mighty and powerful.

“Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice” Article 19, Human Rights Charter.

Back in 1948, soon after World War 2, most governments worldwide signed the United Nations Human Rights Charter and agreed to uphold its principles which guarantee freedom of the press as a basic human right, among other rights. Read more »

The UNESCO World Press Freedom Day used livestream.com to enabled people with an internet connection to view proceedings. Livestream also made it possible for participants to ask questions and comment on proceedings. (See video box on the right --->)

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By Pacific Media Watch in Brisbane

A Cook Islands free press advocate has called for news activists to borrow a leaf out of the regional HIV/AIDS campaign book to give Pacific news media a new bill of health.

Speaking at the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day global conference at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Lisa Williams-Lahari said media advocates could learn a lot from the tactics of the HIV/AIDS campaign in the Pacific. Read more »

Press Release:
Pacific Media Centre.

The Pacific Media Centre, International Committee of the Red Cross and New Zealand Red Cross are jointly hosting twin special events on reporting wars at AUT University next month. Read more »

Sayed-Khaiyum's message for Fiji journalists ... "analyse and question more". Photo: Radio Fiji

Pacific.Scoop
By Nanise Nawalowao in Suva

Fiji’s Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has called on journalists to think outside the box and cover vital stories facing a nation.
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Balibo journalists run for their lives from Indonesian special forces. Photo: Balibo

Pacific.Scoop
By Pacific Media Watch

Balibo, a film about the murder of five Australian-based journalists by Indonesian troops before the invasion of East Timor in 1975, has topped this year’s AFI Awards nominations.

The critically-acclaimed political thriller received 14 nominations, including one for best film, best direction and best actor for Anthony LaPaglia.
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Louise Peltzer ... big plans for regional educational coorperation. Photo: PMW

Pacific.Scoop
By Oceania Flash in Pape’ete

University of French Polynesia’s re-elected president Louise Peltzer, a former minister of culture, believes future Pacific regional cooperation could include
journalism, language and communication technologies.

She has been re-elected at Tahiti’s higher education institution for a  second four-year term.

The election took place as part of the Université de Polynésie Française (UPF) board meeting in French Polynesia’s capital Pape’ete.
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Pacific Press Release – Pacific Media Watch, 16 October 2009

SUBEDITORS NEED TO BE TRAINED: FIT

SUVA (Fiji Sun/Pacific Media Watch): There is a need to train subeditors  in the print industry since they are responsible for what goes on paper, Fiji Institute of Technology Board chairman Iqbal Jannif said yesterday.
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Pacific Press Release – Pacific Media Watch,  October 2009

MEDIA PAY CHECK

SUVA (The Fiji Times/Pacific Media Watch): One Fiji union has welcomed the set-up of a proposed Wages Council to regulate the terms and conditions of workers in the media and communication industry.
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Pacific Press Release – Pacific Media Watch, 9 October 2009

FIJI WAGES COUNCIL MUST BE INDEPENDENT AND CONSULT WORKERS

SYDNEY (International Federation of Journalists/Pacific Media Watch): The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is pleased to learn that the labour and employment minister in Fiji’s military regime has drawn attention to dire working conditions for media personnel in Fiji and highlighted a significant role for unions in positively addressing the urgent need to improve conditions.
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Pacific Press Release – Pacific Media Watch, 25 September 2009

6454 Otago Daily Times editorial: THE BALIBO FIVE

DUNEDIN (Otago Daily Times/Pacific Media Watch): As we flick through the pages, the channels and the websites of our daily news services, it is hardly surprising we rest more lightly on stories that reference events in distant places long ago – events such as the killing of four Australian [including two Britons] and one New Zealand newsmen in the village of Balibo, East Timor, on October 16, 1975.
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