Image caption: Preparation is key for the Tonga Broadcasting Commission team who is covering the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, in Nuku’alofa.
Pasifika TV Media Release
August 28, 2024
Implementing visions at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting
As Pacific heads gather in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53) to look at how they can implement their plans and vision for the region, the Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC) crew is putting their enhanced videography skills to good use.
Staged annually at various locations around the Pacific, PIFLM53 is taking place at the Tonga capital of Nuku’alofa, from August 26-30, and is chaired by Tonga Prime Minister, Hon Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni.
This year’s theme, Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now, reflects the desire and intent to see impacts flow from the development of collective responses to regional issues and to deliver on the leaders’ vision for a resilient Blue Pacific Continent, and region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity.
Alongside international media, local broadcaster TBC is providing extensive coverage of the high-profile event to the Pacific via Pasifika TV, using a revised and refreshed way of working.
Speaking from PIFLM53 in Tonga, Pasifika TV Content Manager Tia Soakai says one of the biggest challenges facing regional broadcasting, like many industries, is the talent drain, which in turn drives the design of PCBL’s in-country training programmes.
In July, 17 TBC team members, including camera operators, technicians, production crew, news staff, visual editors, and radio operators took part in an intensive training workshop centred around structured videography techniques, collaborative work, and storytelling.
“It has been timely that TBC could then apply learnings from our tailored training to coverage of a prominent event, such as PIFLM53, featuring representatives from the 18 Pacific Islands Forum member countries, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other guests,” Tia says.
There has been positive feedback on the PIFLM53 coverage, she adds.
“As the host nation, TBC want to ensure that important talanoa throughout the event are being communicated effectively in Tonga and across the region – we are here to support their efforts.”
The workshop, facilitated by renowned Fiji videographer and photographer from Lighthouse Cinema Productions Daniel Veitata, is part of a series of training programmes offered to broadcasters throughout the region by PCBL.
Daniel has praised the TBC team, saying they learned to work better together collectively and adopted a more structured approach to videography because of the in-country workshop.
“My hope for Pacific broadcasters is they will tap into their innate storytelling abilities and develop a deeper understanding of how to translate those stories into compelling on-screen images through editing, camera work, and storytelling techniques,” Daniel says.
Producer for TBC Sharon ‘Elone says the PCBL funded training has been a huge help, especially with preparations for the PIFLM53.
“Our team not only learned new techniques but also got reminded of the daily necessities of doing things to produce the best outcome in telling our stories,” Sharon says.
“The training has reminded us just how important everyone’s role is and to tell a good story, we must work together.”
Meanwhile, PCBL Head of Marketing and Partner Programmes Sabrina Tian says since the organisation’s establishment in 2015, PCBL has prioritised training programmes, which lie at the heart of its operations.
“These programmes have been instrumental in enhancing the skills and capabilities of broadcasting professionals across the Pacific region,” Sabrina says.
“Over the years, we have seen many talented broadcasters thrive, and step up to work at national and international events.
“I’m thrilled to watch them grow and look forward to meeting new faces at future workshops.”
Over the next year, PCBL will continue developing media resilience in the Pacific, facilitating workshops with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) in September, Apia Broadcasting Channel TV3, in February 2025, and Kiribati’s Kiri One TV in April 2025.
Through these training sessions, PCBL is helping to ensure Pacific broadcasters remain at the forefront of industry developments and continue to produce high-quality, impactful content for their audiences.
Visit the Pasifika TV website for more information.
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Media queries contact: media@pasifikatv.co.nz
