Wansolwara

11/12/2025

https://www.usp.ac.fj/wansolwaranews/news/fame-awards-return-with-renewed-push-for-media-freedom/

By MONIKA SINGH Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding...

25/11/2025

Applications are open for 2026!

Applications are open for 2026!
Become a communications professional.
Enroll now for successful and satisfying careers in various media and communication fields, news outlets, civil society organisations, corporate sector and government ministries.
For more information visit: https://www.usp.ac.fj/usp-space/journalism/journalism-home/

New students can apply for admission by visiting: www.usp.ac.fj/apply/
Former students returning within three years from when they last registered for a course at USP, can apply for resumption through: www.usp.ac.fj/resume/
For assistance, call us toll-free on 1568 or email [email protected].
USP Journalism Students' Association

21/11/2025

JSA denounces attack on media freedom in Samoa

The Journalism Students’ Association (JSA) at the University of the South Pacific is deeply concerned about Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s recent ban on the Samoa Observer from his press conferences and his directive that cabinet ministers avoid responding to the newspaper’s questions.

The recently imposed suspension signals not merely a rebuke of one newspaper, but a more deliberate and systemic attempt to restrict robust public scrutiny. It raises serious concerns about citizens’ right to information, as well as the erosion of transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Equally worrying, if not more, was the public declaration by the Journalists Association of Samoa’s (JAWS) executive Angie Kronfield who wished the Samoa Observer Editor’s face had been disfigured during an assault by the PM’s security officers, as mentioned by the Samoa Observer.

Coming from an executive member who is a representative of an organization with a history of protecting the rights and freedom of speech of journalists, these comments are shocking.

We also note reports of physical confrontations involving journalists outside the Prime Minister’s residence, which are deeply troubling. This is an alarming trend and signals a reverse, if not decline in media rights and freedom of speech, unless it is dealt with immediately.

With its long-standing dedication to reporting on governance, human rights, and social accountability issues, the ban on the Samoa Observer strikes at the heart of public discourse and places journalists in a precarious position. It risks undermining their ability to report freely and without the fear of reprisal.

Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Earlier this year, the JAWS president Lagi Keresoma faced defamation charges under Samoa’s libel laws over an article about a former police officer’s appeal to the Head of State. Samoa’s steep decline in
the 2025 World Press Freedom Index further highlights the ongoing challenges confronting Samoan media.

JAWS’ recent statement, highlighting government attempts to control press conferences through a proposed guide, further adds to the growing pattern of restrictions on press freedom in Samoa.

These recent incidents, coupled with the exclusion of the Samoa Observer, send a chilling warning to Samoan journalists and establish a dangerous precedent for media subservience at the highest levels.

As student journalists, we are glad that JAWS has come out calling for the lift of the ban from Samoa Observer.

Riya Bhagwan
JSA President

Jean-Marc ‘Ake
JSA Regional Representative

06/11/2025

https://www.usp.ac.fj/wansolwaranews/news/charting-the-blue-pacifics-course-from-cop30-to-a-pacific-cop31/
Shailendra Singh

As Pacific’s leaders and civil society prepare for the United Nations Climate Conference in Brazil...

31/10/2025

Congratulations to our students Riya and Niko for their win.

24/10/2025

Our second-year journalism students had an incredible learning experience today at the FBC newsroom! As part of their television journalism unit, students got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how news comes to life. From exploring the newsroom operations to touring the radio stations and television production rooms and studios firsthand, our students gained invaluable insights into the real world of broadcast journalism. A huge thank you to the FBC team for generously sharing your time, expertise, and facilities with our students. These hands-on experiences are instrumental in shaping the next generation of journalists!

09/10/2025

Employment Opportunity USP Journalism Students' Association

29/09/2025

https://www.usp.ac.fj/wansolwaranews/news/securing-and-sustaining-our-blue-pacific-what-will-this-take/

The following speech was delivered by Honourable Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister of the...

26/08/2025

📢 APPLY NOW: Media & Pacific Storyteller Fellowship - Pacific Islands Ocean Conference

The Pacific Islands Ocean Conference is a diverse regional Pacific event that focuses on science, Pacific-led solutions, and the coming together of diverse practitioners. This includes bringing young ocean practitioners, traditional knowledge holders, scientists, businesses, and more to better understand and inform actions towards a healthy and sustainably managed Blue Pacific region.

✍️ A total of five journalists will be funded to attend the conference. Please submit your expression of interest by Sunday, 31st August 2025, 11.59 pm Fiji Time by completing the following form : https://bit.ly/3JrYHtd

19/08/2025

USP Journalism Students' Association

Are you passionate about democracy, governance, human rights, media, and social cohesion? Dialogue Fiji is offering volunteer internship opportunities for individuals eager to gain meaningful experience and contribute to positive change in Fiji.

We are seeking committed individuals interested in the following areas:

Research: Assist with qualitative and quantitative research, literature reviews, data analysis, and fieldwork.
Media Monitoring: Track and analyse news and social media coverage relevant to our thematic areas.
Multimedia Production: Support the creation of visual content including video editing, filming, graphic design, and motion graphics.
Communications: Contribute to public messaging, content creation, social media management, and stakeholder engagement.
Legal Analysis and Parliamentary Submissions: Conduct legal research, analyse bills and regulations, help draft submissions to parliamentary committees, and track legislative developments.

Other relevant skill sets and roles we are open to include:
Advocacy and Public Policy
Event Coordination
Data Management and Analysis
Digital Marketing
Graphic Design and Branding
Writing and Editing

These internships are ideal for university students (especially in politics, journalism, law, and related disciplines), recent graduates, and others looking to build their skills in a supportive civil society environment.

A modest volunteer allowance will be provided. Outstanding performers may be considered for paid employment with Dialogue Fiji.

How to apply:
Email your CV and a brief cover letter indicating your preferred area(s) to [email protected] by 24 August 2025.

19/08/2025

Are you passionate about democracy, governance, human rights, media, and social cohesion? Dialogue Fiji is offering volunteer internship opportunities for individuals eager to gain meaningful experience and contribute to positive change in Fiji.

We are seeking committed individuals interested in the following areas:

Research: Assist with qualitative and quantitative research, literature reviews, data analysis, and fieldwork.
Media Monitoring: Track and analyse news and social media coverage relevant to our thematic areas.
Multimedia Production: Support the creation of visual content including video editing, filming, graphic design, and motion graphics.
Communications: Contribute to public messaging, content creation, social media management, and stakeholder engagement.
Legal Analysis and Parliamentary Submissions: Conduct legal research, analyse bills and regulations, help draft submissions to parliamentary committees, and track legislative developments.

Other relevant skill sets and roles we are open to include:
Advocacy and Public Policy
Event Coordination
Data Management and Analysis
Digital Marketing
Graphic Design and Branding
Writing and Editing

These internships are ideal for university students (especially in politics, journalism, law, and related disciplines), recent graduates, and others looking to build their skills in a supportive civil society environment.

A modest volunteer allowance will be provided. Outstanding performers may be considered for paid employment with Dialogue Fiji.

How to apply:
Email your CV and a brief cover letter indicating your preferred area(s) to [email protected] by 24 August 2025.