Pacific Media Network’s 531pi radio show will now be accessible to listeners in the Pacific region.
Pasifika TV will rebroadcast the radio platform to the nations in the Pacific.
Interim Chief Executive of PMN, Sara-Jane Elika, says it is a very exciting time for the organisation.
“Over the last year, our talanoa with Pasifika TV has focused on expanding the reach of our content given our close links with the Pacific region.
“The first opportunity came through the Pacific Divas National Identity showcase and now we look to a phased approach with our Breakfast shows being the first of many audio feeds to come.”
Elika says the impact of Covid-19 has revealed how important it is for Pacific communities to remain connected.
“Through our partnership with Pasifika TV, content can now be accessed by a flick of the switch, keeping Pasifika communities up to date instantaneously.”
Pasifika TV, which aims to support Pacific free-to-air broadcasters by delivering more New Zealand-originated content, will rebroadcast 531pi to their local audiences.
Chief Executive of Pasifika TV, Natasha Meleisea, is excited about bridging New Zealand Pacific-made content and content in the Pacific.
“This partnership will enable PMN content to be uplinked to the Intelsat IS 19 satellite where local free-to-air broadcasters will receive the content and rebroadcast it throughout their respective territories.”
531pi has been at the heart of New Zealand’s Pacific community for more than 25 years.
The platform provides content through music, entertainment, personalities, professionals and nine community language programmes, which highlights the depth and diversity of Pacific audiences.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says the media partnership adds to the strong relationship between New Zealand and the Pacific.
“Giving Pacific countries around the region easy access to the media and digital content that’s been created in New Zealand by our Pacific diaspora is an important example of the strong relationship that exists between New Zealand and our Pacific neighbours.”
Viewers in the Pacific will get their first listen to 531pi tomorrow morning, with Pacific Breakfast from 6-9am.
A special ‘opening’ visual broadcast will celebrate the end of Samoa Language Week 2020.
Source: 531pi