ABC and Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation sign agreement

The ABC and Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) have exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding which has an emphasis on content sharing and media development programs.

The ABC said the Memorandum of Understanding builds upon the exiting strong relationship between the two broadcasters.

For many people in the Solomon Islands, the SIBC is the primary source of information, education and entertainment, whether it be via radio, television or online platform. The broadcaster intends to launch a national television service in time for the 17th Pacific Games in November, which will be held in the capital Honiara. It would be the first of its kind in the 70 years of broadcasting in the Solomon Islands.

Currently, a senior ABC delegation is visiting the Solomon Islands to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and local media.

David Anderson, managing director of the ABC, said the national broadcaster is delighted to continue the partnership with the SIBC.

“The agreement strengthens media collaboration and exchange between the ABC and the SIBC through training, sharing media expertise and providing technical and program support,” he said.

“We will learn from each other as we seek to serve our audiences better.”

Johnson Honimae, CEO of SIBC, added: “The SIBC Board, management, and staff but more importantly our listeners, viewers and followers of SIBC radio, SIBC TV and SIBC online are so grateful to the ABC for agreeing to continue the partnership between the two broadcasting organisations by signing the MoU.

“With the digitisation of broadcasting, such a partnership as outlined in the MoU is the only way to go for a small broadcaster such as SIBC. We need the help of one of the longest broadcasters in the Pacific region. There is much to share including in the areas of capacity building, technology, and content especially as SIBC, after 70 years of broadcasting is finally expanding into television.

“SIBC looks forward to working together with our colleagues at ABC to continue to inform, educate, entertain and engage our peoples.“ Variety