ABC Pacific Beat
Diplomacy and geopolitics often dominates the media coverage of the Pacific region, but what impact is the geopolitical competition between China, the US, Australia and others having on the media itself?

Veteran media academic Associate Professor Shailendra Singh (APMN member), head of journalism at The University of the South Pacific, says that like Pacific governments, regional news outlets are also grappling with increased aid and attention.

"What we are witnessing is a battle for the hearts of minds for the Pacific public with the Pacific media in the centre of it," said Dr Singh.

"There is no such thing as a free lunch . . . don't get me wrong, we appreciate the support and that support is critical because the Pacific media are on their knees due to the impacts of Covid-19,

"Recently there was a report out of the Solomon Islands whereby a leading newspaper was given a US$140,000, I believe by the Chinese embassy in the Solomon Islands, and I think there was a clear provision in the agreement whereby the newspaper was required to write "positive stories" about China,

"The Americans and Australians, to their credit are not interfering in the editorial process. However, if someone is giving you money, you would feel compelled to some extent to report in a positive manner."