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Pacific Islands News Association Suva, Fiji Social Sciences & Linguistics Institute Honolulu, East-West Communication Institute Honolulu, Hawaii

June 1976 Vol. 6, No. 2

kvzk-tv offer TV STATION FOR WESTERN ?

Exploratory discussions by Anderson would not elaborate to three, has no use for the the United States have been held on the specifics of the talks be- equipment and apparently could not to consider giving Western Samoa tween the U.S. and Western Samoa. sell the black-and-white station without charge a complete tele- P1CM has also learned that KVZK is elsewhere because the equipment is vision station now located in considering a similar offer to aging and obsolete. All KVZK American Samoa. According to Tonga. However, when questioned programming is now in color. Jon A. Anderson, general manager about that offer, Anderson would of KVZK-TV in Pago Pago, the only say that formal negotiations management of the American-run between Tonga and the United States television station is willing have not been held. He noted to provide engineers to set up all talks were in a very preliminary NEW BROADCASTING the station and will also train stage. Western to operate the equipment. The station under consideration was originally a part of the Samoan MANAGER FOR TONGA All Western Samoa has to do Instructional Television Project is say yes and prepare a site, begun in the mid-1960's in American Anderson told P1CM in Honolulu in Samoa. KVZK-TV, which has cut Sione Tu'itavake Fusimalohi May. back programming from six channels will be the new manager of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission, replacing D id Porter RESPONSIBILITYIN PRESS FIJI Fusimalohi, for 10 years an By Lasarusa Vusoniwailalaor roughly50,000 more than Fijians. announcer for TBC, was graduated in The history of cultural sepa-communication from the University ration between the two races is of Hawaii on May 16 this year. He The present structure of thelong. The Indians came to Fiji as has been studying at the University mass media in Fiji is highlighted indentured labourers for the sugar since 1972. He planned to return by the lack of communication be- cane fields.They lived in huts by to Tonga with his family June 5, tween the two major races--the the farms whilethe native Fijians and then work with Porter for sev- Fijians and the Indians. They corn- lived in their traditional village eral weeks before Porter leaves. prise 94% of Fiji's population with communities. The British Adminis- The announcement of the appointment the Indians comprising about 51%,(continued page 8) was made just prior to Fusinialohis graduation. (continued page 2)

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Editor's Notes 2 OBJER VEX Paper Folds 3 Fiji Movies 4 TT Broadcasting 1O PINA Experience on high school newspapers, such as the Marianas High School 12 Observer is one of the primary means of journalism training in the Trust Territory. For the full story on training in Micronesia, turn to page 3.

Fusimalohi Ncw

EDITC'S 17lu'JES Broadcast Hcad Jim Richstad (continued from page 1) Fusimalohi attended a six-week Pacific Islands Radio F)evelopment Seminar at the East-West Coumiunica- tion Institute at the East-West American Samoa is the focus of that failed, arid the woman who start- Center.in 1971. two important articles in this is- ed it two years ago, and the condi- sue of the Pacific Islands Communi- tions under which she left Samoa. cation Newsletter. Both the stories There is a groat mix of personal should provoke discussion, each in matters in the situation that devel- their own way. oped, but there is no denying that the newspaper is no longer publish- ing. How closely the incidents are tied cannot be assessed with any The first concerns the offer certainty. It is an extremely to give Western Samoa a television difficult story to report from station that is surplus in American Samoa. Talks are very preliminary at this point but never-the-less Honolulu, and P1CM had to rely on under way. PICN editors learned the Underground Monthly account of of this development late last year, its demise and two articles in the from various sources, and tried to Honolulu Star-Bulletin on the mat- ter. We also talked with persons SE!: AR!' IC LES ON PAGE 1 & 5 who had been in American Samoa recently. And, to add another bit get enough information to write an of news from American Samoa, the article for the March issue of P1CM. Samoan Sun has been discontinued, We talked with Jon Anderson and Bob but on more routine economic SIONF: T1'II'A\AKA FISIMA 10!H Berger about the article, but it grounds. was felt then (February) that the Fusirnalohi is 37 years old and talks were too preliminary. They was born in Tonga. He spent a year in at school may still feel it is too early But we have lots of good news high and to publicize the developuients, and in this issue. One in particular another year attending an observa- we had to think that one over. In that is pleasing is the selection tion course with the New Zealand the end, we felt the story was too of Tavake Fusimalohi as manager of Broadcasting Corporation. He was the Tonga Broadcasting Commission. educated at Tonga High School and important o let sit for another We have known Tavake since 1971 when Grammar School. He plays issue; that what was happening was he came to Hawaii to attend the rugby football and tennis. important to both the people of the Pacific Islands Radio Training Sem- His wife, Keiti, and he have 11.5. and Western Samoa, and perhaps tour children. to other nations in the Pacific. So we ran two articles: The front inar at the Communication Institute PACIFIC ISIANDS page article concerns the facts as The experience was catching, and torllvl1N1C\'rtoN Nl:\vSlE'FrF:lt we could put them together, the the next year he showed up on his second is an opinion piece by own in Honolulu ready to begin the Pub! islii Curtis Madison, a graduate student study of communication--first at at the University of Hawaii and Leeward Community College and then 3SOCkIl Srivioes It I inguisi ira Inst. also is a degree scholar with the at the University of Hawaii. The odds were mightily against him, Donald SI. lopping, I)irerioi I3orieos 11:11!, ti1i\&isi1v I lion:i Communication Institute. Madison, Honolulu, I Ia\ a whose article on telephone develop- and there were many times when it in Western Samoa in did not seem like he could caniy ment appeared Editorial 51:111 the March jJ, raises some very it through. But with hard deter- basic questions about giving a mination on his part, strong sup- Editor: Jim Riclistad television station--and particular- port from his wife, Keiti, and ly the one that would be given-- backing from Professor John Bystrom ASSI sta ft Editor: Floyd TaRcuehi to Western Samoa. He objects on at the University of Hawaii, and SjieeiaI A asi slant: Curtis Madison several grounds. We don't think encouragement from many, many one but we others, the were overcome, his view is the only problems Address all correspondence to: think the issues he raises have to and he was graduated May 16. His be addressed. We welcome other appointment puts one more Pacific The Editor, PICN comments Island broadcasting system under the direction of a Pacific Islander, East -West Communication Inst. The other story from American and we offer our warmest congratu- 1777 East-West Road Samoa is a sad one, of a newspaper lations and encouragement to hint. Honolulu, 1!awai i 96822

want to get 'involved" anymore. "I just want to open a little lesion aid stand in Guam where I can settle down quietly and write down every- UNDERGROUND PRESS FINISHED thing that happened."

The Underground Press published Controversial Sherry The Underground has undergone many, in an 8-by--FO--inch format, and had O'Sullivan and her two-year--old many terrible experiences at the a circulation estimated at 1,500. Underground Press are no longer in hands of these people in power... 0 Sullivan said the paper was making American Samoa. The Titanic' but...when I realized that the a profit in its last few months. issue of the Underground Press was very people I have been trying to issued as the Underground Monthly protect and inform... either TT JOURNALISM and appeared on April , the anni- haven't listened or don't care... versary of the sinking of the then, what is the use? Titanic. O'Sullivan's account of TRAINING SCARCE the events which led to her leaving By Floyd Takeuchi American Samoa comprises most of She went on to accuse the the issue's copy. She does not hide Government of American Samoa of Formal journalism training in her bitterness and sarcasm. She being unwilling to prosecute her the Trust Territory is limited to arrived in Honolulu about May 1. case and the Samoan people of being small programs in the educational unfair to American citizens. 'Until system, according to Steve Woodworth a respect for privacy, respect for and Elias Thomas of Saipan. In a Apparently because of personal individuality and a respect for per- recent PEACESAT program between --not newspaper--differences between sonal achievement is established in Saipan and Honolulu, Woodworth, a O'Sullivan and the members of an American Samoa," O'Sullivan said, Peace Corps Volunteer at the she was, in her words, "you ... and I. . . haven't a Marianas High School on Saipan, said "frightened half to death and later chance. the journalism course he teaches at attacked. My hair was all hacked the school is limited to producing off and passed down a surrealistic O'Sullivan's exploits "in a newspaper which appears once every 'bucket brigade of Samoans, an American Samoa recently were includ- two months. earring was torn out and an attempt ed in a book by Pulitzer Prize to either blind me or disfigure my winner Garry B. Trudeau, creator of Of the 12 students in the face was narrowly aborted." "Doonesbury," and Washington Post class, Woodworth believes two or columnist Nicholas von Hoffman. three could go on to become good journalists. But because the Trust O'Sullivan's editorial position In Tales From The Margaret Mead Territory administration does not has been at odds with those in Taproom (Sheed and Ward, Inc.), the place journalism training high on power. After saying that she has two called O'Sullivan the 'Che its list of scholarship priorities, "no hope or faith in American Guevara of Samoa.' none of the students has indicated Samoa," O'Sullivan accused "people an interest in pursuing press work in power" of doing "everything they In an interview with the after they graduate or in studying can to get rid of people like me Honolulu Star-Bulletin in early May, journalism in college. who rock the boat. . . who expose O'Sullivan continued her attacks them, who attempt to teach flexible on government officials in American Woodworth says that the success and achieving thought. . . and who Samoa and on some customs. She of the program depends to a great love independence and individuality. said, however, that she does not extent on the commitment of individ- uals

Other programs in Micronesia include a student newspaper at the Mount Carmel High School on Saipan and a journalism class at the Commu- gr nity College of Micronesia on 50 Ponape. Till OlFl -i E REVIEWLY r:jUTH Elias Thomas, Chief of the TI Broadcasting Service, said that there will not be a greater interest in journalism unless Micronesians are exposed to more and varied media.

Possible ways of encouraging his development, Thomas says, in- lude the establishment of a tern- ory-wide news service which is taffed with reporters in each of he six districts of Micronesia. t present, the Micronesian News ervice has only one full-time re- orter on Saipan. The government ould also consider purchasing ad- (continued page 6)

series includes 17 documentaries of 10 to 45 minutes in length and 20 Cinema Use Varied newsreels of 10 minutes each. Fiji's Thirteen films were in various Twenty-nine of the commercial stages of production during 1975. theaters in Fiji are equipped with All but three of these films were Dennis A. Olkowski By 35mm equipment while 11 others, produced in English, which is a mostly on outer islands, feature barrier to understanding in rural Motion pictures have become 16mm films. Admission charges range areas. Cost factors, however, have one of the major communication from 20 cents to one dollar for most prohibited translations in Fijian channels for entertainment and features. Films are often shown information in the Fiji Islands. continuously from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (continued page 8) According to a 1975 market survey throughout the week. conducted by the Fiji Times, most The adult males living in the country's scope of film topics is FIJI DAILY EDITOR: urban centers attend at leasc one fairly broad. English language movie each week. films from the United States or England have large followings among TIDE TURNS' FOR SUN Throughout the country there all ethnic groups in Fiji while The Fiji Sun, which began are some 40 commercial cinema Hindustani language films are publishing in October, 1974, has houses. Of that total, 24 are lo- primarily aimed at the country's established itself as a strong cated in urban centers on the main Indian population. Commercial press voice in Suva. Sun associate island of Viti Levu, five on Vacua cinemas also feature newsreels from editor Mark Ebrey told P1CM recent- Levu and 11 on the outer islands. Australia, New Zealand and England ly that "By adopting a bright for- as well as documentary films pro- mat, giving full news and sports In recent years rural popula- duced locally by the film unit of coverage, plus running a variety tions also have been exposed to more the Ministry of Information. of competitions, the Sun has been frequent motion picture screenings. able to attract a readership which Rural communities have access to According to Alan Harkness, encompasses all income groups, all movies through local churches, former director of Fiji's Ministry races and all age groups." schools and commercial film units, of Information Film Unit, govern- and more people of all ages are ment sponsored documentaries are An important part of the travelling to towns for film enter- designed to educate the public paper's success has been its empha- tainment. about development goals, create a sis on "entertainment and informa- climate for change, inform citizens tion," Ebrey said. "Because there of national news, and to create is no television, people want a Villagers living on the remote unity and national identity. newspaper that will provide light islands of Lau, Kandavu and the relief in the evenings and on week- Yasawas however, rarely have an The government film unit has ends. They do not want long dis- opportunity to view movies unless produced a series of color and courses on the amount of Russian they travel by copra boat to larger, black and white 16mm films. This aid in Angola." more developed islands. Ebrey feels that most Fijians "couldn't give two hoots" about reading a newspaper. Consequently, RSHALL ISLANDS RADIO BOOSTS POWER the Sun emphasizes letters to the editor, picture features and news- By Dan Smith antenna. The T.T. administration paper competitions. Special to PICN purchased the transmitter and tower MAJURO---The Ides of March while the Marshall Islands Nitijela During its first 15 months of marked radio station WSZO's first (district legislature) provided the operations, the Sun lost just under regular broadcasting with its 10 funds for the transmitter building $150,000. However, the paper's kw transmitter and antenna. Un- and antenna installation. associate editor said that the fortunately it cannot be said that "tide has now turned." But growth it is a new transmitter since it The hero of WSZOs technical in classified advertising has re- has been on the atoll for more than upgrading is Peter Boon who had to mained slow in spite of growth in five years awaiting a building and install a large transmitter with retail and national advertising later parts for a frequency change. less than the normal complement of revenues. Other parts were borrowed to repair testing equipment. other transmitters in Micronesia. Efforts are being made to fill With the new transmitter and editorial and management positions Reception on nearby atolls is antenna, listeners in the Gilberts, on the Sun with Fijian locals, re- not reported to be much different Nauru and Ponape should be able to ported Ebrey. Of the five original but according to Sam ,Jordan, WSZO receive a strong signal in the executives, four have returned to manager, listeners on atolls 200 to evening. New Zealand and the fifth is due to 500 miles away are reporting a leave in July. More Marshallese greatly improved signal. Pocket importantly, outside radios, it is reported, can now be listeners on those atolls The paper ran its own in-house district center area used where in the past an external of the Majuro training program, but Ebrey said antenna was a necessity. will now receive news and informa- that the effects of the training tion on a more regular basis. effort "have been negated slightly WSZO, the Trust Territory's March 15th was also the first day due to a turnover in editorial first broadcast station, is the of the Nitijela's annual session staff." Ebrey said that the lack last government station to obtain and WSZO carried the legislature's of competent journalists is a major adequate power and a broadcast-type deliberations live. problem facing the Fiji Sun

guess where the local business Samoan television advertising dollars would qo. Looking at this from the Western Samoan side, what would be the advantage of beginning national television broadcast? This is a A GIFT Samoans QUESTIONABLE question for the Western to answer, but surely the advantage Earl Ruth, has offered a is not in to use By Curtis Madison management training operators contract to Lawrence S. (Bob) obsolete equipment, or in paying A News Commentary Berger, who is part of a group that for parts and maintenance from the already runs the commercial Radio U.S., or in following the tendency The proposed transfer of an Samoa in Page Pago and KHVH Radio of other third world countries to obsolete television station from News in Honolulu, to sake KVZK as buy out-dated U.S. programs complete American Samoa to Western Samoa "close as possible to a commercial with commercials and consumerism (see article on page 1) poses some station.' In a commercial environ- messages as they are dumped on the difficult questions. First, why ment those things which increase world market. Surely a positive was the offer made? Second, what profits, not necessarily understand- beginning of television broadcast would be possible effects of West- ing, are done. The audience is a must be based on reinforcing Samoan ern Samoa's acceptance? This "free" commodity to be sold to advertisers. culture, disseminating news and television station is no mea alofa In the United States, commercial promoting the welfare of the people Transportation of the equipment, control of the media has produced of Western Samoa. preparation of the site, operation programming of general low quality These of tele- of the equipment, and production of praising high consumerism in an positive aspects vision broadcast on local con- program materials can be an expen- attempt to win advertising dollars. rely trol of the content. If sive undertaking running into mil-- Even the nightly news shows bring production is too or talent too lions of dollars. This is a serious in enough advertising money that expensive scarce severe in the subject and should be discussed an American network recently gave (a problem openly before negotiations are a woman broadcaster a million dol- United States) local control of con- tent and the finalized. lars a year salary because her disappears negative presence would raise the audience aspects arise. These negative as- rating. Here the competition is pects are strong enough to create in much in not objectivity or reli- problems larger countries The attitude of the American ability of the news itself. than Samoa. Foreign multinational government toward television in corporations take over the adver- American Samoa has shifted consider- tising as in, for example, Latin ably since television was introduced KVZK would like to sell local America, , and Indonesia. in the early 60's. At first the advertising, but only if it would Station managers become dependent world's largest open broadcast not jeopardize their Corporation on overseas sources for programing educational system, charges of "cul- for Public Broadcasting grant of because it is cheaper than local tural imperialism" and only partial $202,183. If they can sell local production. Even New Zealand acceptance of the mediated teaching ads, the number of advertisers and imports over 60% of all television system by the Samoan teachers and rates will depend on the size of programs, for example. people has led to a severe cutback the audience. Isolated in the a station in Western in the number of programs broadcast Pacific, Western Samoa is the only How could and the number of channels used. possible place for KVZK audience Samoa be supported? Where could the effec- When the system was first built, expansion but that audience will programming come from? How tive could a Western Samoan station six channels were broadcasting as only be available for direct KVZK many as 185 programs a week. Now, broadcast if Western Samoa develops be in compettion with KVZK? What three channels are used strictly television along the American technical standard would be most for programs requested by the teach- technical standard. appropriate? ers themselves. The European technical standard used by all the countries of Europe, The answers to these questions However, the equipment is still Australia, New Zealand, and others, tell whether bringing television there, rusting on top of Mt. Alava. has 25% higher resolution than the into Western Samoa would be a posi- According to Jon Anderson, director competing American standard. This tive development increasing local of KVZK, the age and performance of makes the systems incompatible. TV control over the environment by the equipment makes it obsolete. receivers are manufactured for one presenting relevant information "It cannot be sold anywhere in the standard or the other. Video tapes while maintaining equitable distri- world, he said. made on one standard cannot be bution of wealth and power, or a broadcast on the other. negative development creating for- But what is the impetus now to eign dependence, alienation of give it away? The American Govern- Since most of Western Samoa is culture, and concentration of wealth of ment burned, pushed into oceans and within the broadcast area KVZK. and power. lakes, and bulldozed obsolete equip- Western Samoan station on the Amer- ment much newer than this all over ican standard would be in direct At this time the transfer of a the world. There is an official competition with it. Whether view- television station from KVZK to Western Samoa is a be- way to donate surplus federal equip- ers would prefer to watch low- negotiation tween the ment, but why go through all that budget locally produced black and sovereign states of West- ern Samoa and the hassle? Why not just let the junk white programs or slick, $100,000! United States. Now is an excellent time to die peaceably amidst tropical fungus half hour American network produc- fully and rust? The answer is in the tions must await a future survey. examine the motives of those con- move to commericalize KVZK. Ameri- cerned as well as the merits of the can And we can can Samoa's territorial governor, We only guess. only proposal

Jia Belau editor Moses Uludong, responding in the Marianas Variety, said that Tia Be]au 'wi 1 continue to be true to its name as a Palauan paper. Unlike the other papers in SHORT TAKES: PRESS the territory, it's written and printed by Palauans and has arti- cles in the Palauan language. The Pacific Dateline, an af- ported on February 20 that the ternoon paper on Guam, ceased pub-Congress of Micronesia leadership lication on November 29, 1975. Thehas asked Trust Territory High Datel the and the Pacific_DajsCommissioner Edward Johnston to EWC PUBLISHES are oembars of the Gannett group.remove all Palauan T.T. department Features and several popular syn-directors. dicated columns were moved to the MEAD BOOKLET morning PTA. During the second session of the Congress, which ended in early Dateline and PDN publisher March, the Palauan delegation Robert E. Udick issued the follow- threatened secession from the pro- The East-West Communication ing statement when the Dateline posed Federation of Micronesia if Institute recently published folded:Excellent talent and certain demands were not met. Margaret Mead's "New Lives To Old: great effort have been invested in In addition, Palauans comprise a The Effects of New Communication On Pacific Dateline over a period of high percentage of the personnel Old Cultures In The Pacific." The five years. But the economic facts in the Trust Territory headquarters booklet is a speech Dr. Mead gave demonstrate that the island is just administration. at the East-West Center in 1975. not that interested in an afternoon She takes a broad view of communica- newspaper.Economic and other The Senate President and tion effects in the Pacific and says business realities, along with House Speaker issued a joint state- that the new communication media energy and newsprint problems, have ment which denied the Variety must not destroy the diversity found led to the reluctant conclusion story. "...to say that the Leader- in the Pacific Islands. Dr. Mead that we must close it down as of ship of the Congress has made a concludes by saying that other coun- decision to removal of de- today. request tries could learn much from the ef- partment heads who are Palauan is forts of Islanders to survive and The afternoon daily began pub- false, they stated. The two mem- flourish on small islands with lim- lishing on July 7, 1970. When PDN bers of the Congress of Micronesia ited resources. The Mead article is received Trust Territory permission also said that no press represen- available by writing to: Publica- to establish a Micronesian based tative contacted them to verify the tions Officer, East-West Communica- newspaper, many felt that the Date- allegations. tion Institute, 1777 East-West Road, line would become the new newspa- Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, U.S.A. per. The Dateline however, has 'Such false and misleading not resumed publication and PDN stories,' they said, "are deplor- has not acted to establish a new able, inflammatory in nature, and Micronesian newspaper. call into question the integrity of the writer and the editor who Training Problems allowed it to be printed."

Reports reaching P1CM say that Marianas Van y editor and In Micronesia the Samoa Sun folded operations in publisher Abed Vounis said that the February. The Transpac Corporation newspaper stood with the report. (continued from page 3) weekly, which had been edited by "That story was confirmed by sev- vertising in newspapers until the John F. Gallen, has been publishing eral members of the Congress and private sector is able to do so, since October 1974. Felise Va a, other sources," he said. Thomas adds. former associate editor of the Sun, replaced Gal len when he returned to The Variety carried the Micro- The biggest problem Thomas sees the United States in February (see nesian Mews Service article which is the lack of adequate opportuni- P1CM, 1976). reported the incident under the ties. following headline, "Irresponsible With the demise of the Samoa Journalism? Or Valid Story" "People need some kind of Sun and the Underground Press7e ft ft # ftft#ft guaranteed income," he says. Unless separate story in this issuej the there are job opportunities waiting seven-year-old Samoa News is the The Marianas Variety is not for Micronesian graduates, few, if only private newspaper still pub- the only newspaper in Micronesia any, will seriously consider a lishing in American Samoa. to come under criticism in recent career in journalism. months. The Palauan Tia Belau was attacked by "Richard Towai" in a It becomes a circular argument More details on the closing of letter which appeared in both the in which there are few opportuni- the Samoa Sun will be printed when Pacific Daily News and the Micro- ties, little government support, and they are available. nesian Independent consequently, few Micronesians are willing to consider developing jour- #####ft# ft#ft# ft Towai said that Tia Belau nalism in Micronesia. The most serious government which has taken a strong position clash with the private press in against the establishment of a How is the circle to be broken? Micronesia to date occurred in "super port" facility in Palau, was Thomas says that "someone is just February.Saipans five year old influenced by American 'mainland going to have to come out here and weekly, the Marianas Variety, re- misfits." set up newspapers."

CHANGES ANNOUNCED SHORT TAKES: ELECTRIC MEDIA FOR GILBERT ISLANDS

The communication ties between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon BROADCASTING SERVICE France and New Caledonia and theIslands in communications. Accord- New Hebrides are growing closer.ing to the SPC Quarterly News of The March PIM reports that 32.5Activities the program was initi- The following article appeared meter "Telspace" antenna was in-ated at the request of the Fiji in the ABU Newsletter of January, stalled near Noumea last DecemberCentral School of Nursing. 1976: at the cost of $A 5 million. The SPC Radio Bureau in Suva Major changes in structure and In addition to improved telex, has begun producing a revamped ver- staff have made January 1976 memo- radio and television transmission, sion of the old Pacific Magazine" rable for one of the ABU's associ- the new antenna allows New Caledonia radio program. Now called 'Pacific ate members in the Pacific. to be linked to 24 hour telephone Voices,' the half-hour program on connections with any country in the tape is in English and anchored by world. Sound and visual images, SPC Educational Broadcasting Officer This is the organization for- according to PIM, will have to be Hima Douglas. The first 'Pacific merly known as the Gilbert and relayed through two satellites above Voices' program made its debut in Ellice Islands Broadcasting Service, the Indian and Pacific Oceans as February and included a long piece which until recently provided the well as a ground station in Hong on the problems of Pacific Island radio service for both groups of Kong. migrants in New Zealand, songs by islands from Tarawa in the Gilberts. a Fijian choral group, and short items on varied Pacific events.

A constitutional change last The following article year--a step towards independence-- appeared in the April 5 edi- Unlike their counterparts in led to the broadcasting service tion of Broadcasting It has the five other districts of the becoming a division of the new been edited for publication Trust Territory, broadcasters at Chief Ministers Office. But then in PICN. Saipan's KJQR radio do almost all the 8,000 people of the Ellice of their announcing in English Islands decided by referendum that rather than in the local vernac- they wished to be politically and Satellite transmission rates ular. officially separated from the for television channels between the Gilberts and to change the name of U.S. mainland and Hawaii have been A columnist for the Marianas their island group to Tuvalu. So reduced by almost half under a spe- R. G. Villagomez, recently a new radio station was built and, cial contract offered by the Joint took one of the station's announcers as from 1 January 1976, it has been Committee of International Televi- to task for using poor English. "This said, operating as the Tuvalu Broadcast- sion Carriers and Communications announcer," Villagomez ing and Information Service. As Satellite Corp. (Comsat). "will benefit himself in his career from the same date the former GEIBS if he would work harder on his became GIBS--the Gilbert Islands Comsats new rate, effective English pronounciation and intona- Broadcasting and Publications April 1, between a U.S. mainland tion pattern." While realizing the Services. BIB'S new address is: earth station and a Pacific satel- difficult task it is for a person Broadcasting and Publications lite is $7,365 for a minimum 600 to learn a new language, Villagomez, Division, Chief Ministers Office, minutes in a four-week period. The himself a Saipanese, said, 'it is P.O. Box 78, Bairiki, Tarawa, same price is charged for the down- also a matter of common sense that Gilbert Islands. link to the Hawaii earth station. after rertain time is given, certain Comsat's former occasional use tar- improvement is expected." iff was $13,350 for each leg. While these changes in struc- ture were being put into effect, The current charge for 20 half- Hawaii's CBS television affil- there were also important changes hour broadcasts from the mainland to iate station, KGMB-TV, began carry- in staff. Previously GEIBS, as a satellite in a single month is ing via satellite the CBS News with well as the Publications staff, had $18,150. For a customer using the Walter Cronkite on the same day it been headed by expatriate officers new service, the charge would be is shown on the U.S. mainland in sent from Britain. But in view of $10,740. The downlink, which is February. the new constitutional position, provided by Hawaiian Telephone, is The broadcast, shown at 5:30 the head of BIBS, known as Chief higher at $11,650 for the same vol- is followed KGMB's Publicity Officer, now comes from ume but is still a significant re- p.m. locally, by local news broadcast at 6. KGMB the people of the Gilbert Islands. duction over the previous rate. owner Cecil Heftel said that the move will allow the local broadcast He is Kaburoro Tanielu and is to devote 60 per cent more time to responsible, in addition to the Hawaiian news. Heftel said the radio service, for all government Hima Douglas, SPC Educational cost of bringing Walter Cronkite to publications, publicity and nation- Broadcasts Officer, spent a week in Hawaii five days a week is $1,800 al campaigns. January training nurses from Fiji, per show or $9,000 per week.

5100 'rod a fresh poceriti'rn. What opinion become bold-print arguments. io:quired is a proc.; respansiole FIJI NEWSPAPERS vird responsive to dUe 03005 and health of its sociacy. A prominent use of the free press to fan cultural and racial CHANGE STYLE Until 1971, i'iji ha only one misunderstanding in Fiji includes daily newspaper, Tth Hji Times, the lively letters to the editor ((oritinued frais ucce then the afternoon pope'. Thy columns in the newspapers. The 1-ijiSun, began pudlishing. With land issue has always been an t':t ion vi lowed for little inter- two cconpetirr4 papers a new style of emotive topic in Fiji politics and act '. and somulatmo a poiicy on news presontation, in the fashion it has served as delectable fodder the oe.rl tted distance that an of affi uent dynaini c societies, was for the press. But whereas in the Indian could settle from a Fijian croouceu co F past it was perhaps treated in a village. 'Later when the Indians reportive manner, the new style, were free of their contracts and Headlines became bold arid eye- especiafly of The Fiji Sun. afforded were allowed to move into towns, grabbing while the stories them- it new copy. Fijians were still controlled by selves were treated in a colourful the native government and needed journalism prose style to make them Some background of the present and situation in is permission to migrate to towns. interesting happenings. A small ownership Fiji This could be revoked and a person column which caught me one day, necessary to understand the prob- of the best repatriated to his village for "MINISTER MAVOA OUT," reported that lem. Although some misbehavior. the Minister of Labour, donate commercial land was purchased from Mavoa, was leaving the country to Fijians early in the century (some The language difference also attend a conference. by dubious means), laws which were necessitated separation of schools later passed made native Fijians since a child receives instruction Although such is the style of owners of all non-freehold land. in his mother tongue until his edu- colourful journalism, and the exam- These are communally owned by cation level enables teaching to be ple quoted innocuous, the mood in or tribes, and car, be conducted in English. All ti,ese which such new colouring was intro- leased to non-tribe members or to factors have kept the two major duced to a society such as Fiji can atgjj, members. races apart, both physically and cause havoc if applied to sensitive also from their developing nutual issues. Mountains can be created Most Indian cane farmers, and understanding. out of molehills. discussions be- they comprise the bulk of the farm- conic confrontations, differences of (continued page 9 In a societal situation as Fiji's there are inherent dangers mobile movie unitsused in rural Fiji in having a free press. Commercial competition for reader attraction(continued from page 4) Although statistical testing has given rise to certain charac- of film viewers has never been teristics of the western suchThe Ministry of Information documented in Fiji, the Ministry press not its as the tendency to sensationalise only produces own documen- of Information realizes that vil- taries but also maintains two or to paint a picture more colour- lagers who have limited exposure mobile film units which screen ful or controversial than what it to film entertainment can become movies in rural These is in reality. Such practices may villages. confused by camera effects. two units travel about 20,000 be condoned in the developed coun- miles To minimize the misinterpre- and screen films to about 72,500 tries but for developing nations tation of films, film production working toward pluralism, they people each year. Mobile units are has avoided the use of modern can- also the Indian should be checked and questioned by sponsored by High era techniques such as multiple Commission in Suva and the the people. Ministry exposures, time lapse photography of Agriculture, Fisheries and or zooms. Efforts to avoid The of free Forests. quick concepts speech language barriers are also a con- and freedom of the press haveThese mobile units are jeep cern of mobile film crews. Films vehicles long been accepted by most to be equipped with portable iiiit projectionists often turn same, and this has been screens, one and the gasoline-powered genera- down the sound to English language especially true in the media's tors and 16111111 film projectors In documentaries and narrate them for rural areas, films are image of itself, often shown villages in their vernacular lan- at hospitals or health centers, guage. the last few how- churches, During years, open fields near village During one segment of the ever, have to and the 'vale ni people begun query compounds bosse" family planning film 'Paradise in this of long held belief congruity or, village meeting houses. Peril," which deals with the social between the if there principles; pitfalls of over-population, actors was not a shade of differ-Because of geographical and perhaps portray young men high from in two and that in time limitations, Harkness ence the reality sniffing kerosene and mentholated that it would take the a line exists between them. spirits. While the movie actors estiMinistry of Information-matesmobile film appear quite happy, viewers some- Free speech is the inalienable units three years to visit each times confuse this activity as a right of the ordinary person to village at least one time on the socially accepted pastime. At this open his mouth, say what he feels, islands of Viti and Vanua Levu. point in the movie, projection i"ts or to write his thoughts down on Difficulties in film circulation in turn down the audio portion of the paper without fear of persecution. rural areas include food and lodg- film and explain the health hazards Put for the far-reaching press to ing for film unit projectionists, connected with chemical sniffing claim the same right is difficult mechanical problems, poor weather and that the practice is not con- to accept in the context of transi- and road conditions, isolated doned by the Fiji government. tional societies; the concept of villages and inadequate gasoline press freedom needs a clear defini- supplies. (continued page 12)

ticipation in the commercial sector. A proposal to help establish Fijian businessmen with low interest loans Effects of Fiji Press Freedom from the Fiji Development Bank brought an outcry from the estab- lished business community which is predominantly Indian. (continued from page 8) married to a Fijian, and a resident of Suva. The letter appeared in ing population in Fiji, have Fijian The Fiji Sun of January 17, 1975. Soon letters from Fijians in- land leases and many contracts are Mrs. Wongs letter set out the undated The Fiji Sun Under a now expiring. Many Fijian land- various benefits that Maoris re- rather suggestive headline, "Indians owners want to farm the land them- ceived from land rents in New Out Of Fiji, Samisoni Qaranivalu selves and the question of duration Zealand, such as 90% of the rent, suggested (of the Indians) kick of leases became a focal point of much higher than a Fijian land- 'em all 'out of Fiji." debate in Parliament. Let me take owner gets, and was thus a one you to the start of Parliamentary upmanship in the ensuing exchanges. Another titled, They Don't debates on lease terms for Fijian Like others, the letter delved into Appreciate Fijians," and signed land toward the second half of racial mud-slinging: "It is a under the pseudonym "Fijian T.N.T.," 1974. shame that so many Fijians roam the claimed that 'by their opposition streets when they could be earning to governmental plans to improve Fijian landowners disagreed to from their land to help develop the indigenous race's lot, the new contracts with terms longer their islands. So Yedo Yedo we Indians of the Suva Chamber of than 10 years. The Indian farmers, Maoris aren't as silly as you are. Commerce' opposition showed the who have developed the land and be- ingratitude of the Indians to the cause they wanted security and a Fijians hospitality. just return for their developments, As if the letters were not wanted a longer term of 30 years. enough to cause tension, the news- The Parliament eventually decided paper added its own touch with The above sampling of letters on 30 years. smart titles. Mrs. Wongs letter were published as they were written, was headlined, "Maoris Not So and I have left them as they ap- of this, The immediate result Silly. Another reply to "Yedo peared, along with our colloquial however, was that letters to the Yedo," captioned Prove That You use of English and expressions, in Sun took on hostile tones. Are Not Fools, read: order to convey the climate of the Foreigners lay off the exchanges and hopefully the real- land issue. Do not light To prove that you Fijians isation of the seriousness of what the fuse on the powder are not fools, work hard may happen in e society in which a keg you are sitting on. on the land rather than free press steams ahead without I am master of the fertile farms the my leaving checking itself. If it turns away idle. You house. Do not, repeat Fijians (par- from its societal obligation DO NOT delegate to me ticularly the town roam- through the pressure of commercial the how to run my house. ers) should come to competition, and therefore the and show Make your money and be countryside need to create controversy, then 28, others that are hard content. (January you it is sheer irresponsible journal- 1975) working men, signed ism. Vishwa Nadan Pillay Anyone could see that it was A free press has a vital role The inter-racial insult-throw- written by a Fijian. The inter- in developing nations, especially esting point about the above letter ing game was on and getting so hot where, like for most Pacific na- is that it not only shows the emo- that a Fijian lady felt irate tions, communication in the tradi- tive state of the writer, but it enough to pitch in her contribution tional culture was mostly downward. also warns commercial organisa- Signing herself Lia Biausese, her tions, including the newpaper which letter appeared under Rip Into While Fiji is blessed with a published it, of treating inflam- Your Own Race: tolerant government, the idea of mable issues lightly. forming Media Councils, whether It's their land and its modeled on the British Press Coun- On December 8, 1974, a Prem up to them whether they cil or on the Community Media Kumar asked why Indians paid land want to use it or not. Councils of the United States, is Who are to come and rent to Fijians when New Zealand you worth considering. and Australian caucasian migrants boss their land...not did not pay land rents to the only Fijians are roamers The Pacific press should not and even if were Maoris or the Aborigines. they feel their freedom threatened by street roamers that's OK the idea of Media Councils. A A to this roamers in reply query, signed They're their recent report in A Free and Respon- under the "Yedo pseudonym Yedo" of own country and that sive Press by the American Society Suva, was in the Sun on published country is Fiji. Mr. of Newspaper Editors may be of January 10, 1975: The Maoris and Vishwa, I think you'd value to Pacific journalists, were fools not Aborigines quite as better leave the Fijians Their report said: clever as us Fijians. alone and don't critise them. Critise your own Journalism, both print One can the ire this imagine race. and broadcast, clearly raised with either a Maori or needs correction and Aborigine reader, and sure enough, Another area of long standing criticism if it is to it elicited a reply from one Mrs. concern to the Fijian government who claimed to be a Maori, has Wang been the lack of Fijian par- (continued page 10)

expression. In developing nations Effects of Fiji where national institutions are still in the formative stage, the MARIANAS BROADCASTING press must exercise the greatest Press Freedom of discretion. (continued from page 9) The most healthy sign of the FATE UNCERTAIN meet its First Amend- future as seen in Fiji today is in ment responsibilities. the similarity of the cultural in- Whether journalism can terests of the youth. This also provide adequate self- shows the effects of the media. By [has Thomas correction and self- I am referring to the spread of Chief, Broadcasting Division criticism is at least mass culture to the Pacific; that Trust Territory of the debatable. The National the young citizen, be he or she Pacific Islands News Council--coupled Fijian, Indian, Tongan, Rotuman or with viable state or caucasian, share the same enthusi- SAIPAN--The formal adi'iinistra- regional councils--may asm over things which on the whole tive separation of the Northern well help prevent belong to the youth culture of the Marianas and the Trust Territory of government supervision world--from karate, Elton John to the Pacific Islands took place on in the long run. the New York shuffle. March 31, 1976, and the effect on the broadcasting service is still What Fiji needs today is the While the culturally-conven- to be determined. The former formulation of communication pol- tional minded see this as a nega- Marianas District, which will become icies. If races are compartment- tive side of the media, an intru- a U.S. Commonwealth when the U.N. alised with separate communication sion into the dignity of an Trusteeship ends, will be adminis- channels, then the media should be individual culture, I use it as an tered by a Resident Commissioner used to bring about closer rela- illustration of the power that can during the transition period. tions and better understanding. be harnessed for the benefit of The vernacular papers, instead of society. President Ford named Erwin following in the journalistic foot- Canham, editor emeritus of the steps of the western-patterned The media in Fiji can use this Christian Science Monitor, to the dailies, should gear themselves power to consolidate national ef- post of Resident Commissioner in toward education. forts and bind racial differences. April. He will report directly to Unless the media is used to bring the Secretary of the Interior in In the two cases of misunder- about a closer cultural empathy, the same manner as the High Commis- standing mentioned earlier, the than Fiji is still some way from sioner has done. Hindi papers would serve the coun- being a true community. try better by educational articles The Trust Territory-owned and features on the economic plight The very fibre of an orga- radio station KJQR is no longer of the Fijians, their attitude to- nization or society is the under the authority of the High ward other races, the reasons communication network Commissioner but is now the behind these attitudes, and how which permits it to be an responsibility of the present society as a whole can help. organization or society. Acting Resident Commissioner. If one does not have the Adopting this same educational means to relate or to What the future holds in store and informative journalism, the communicate with others for KJQR is not clear at this time. Fijian newspapers would do a simi- in the same social system, However, over the past several larly educational contribution on then he cannot be said to years, the former Marianas District political and economic issues, so be an integral part of Administration has constantly ex- that when a certain Chamber of that system. Common orga- pressed the desire to turn KJQRs Commerce objects to government nization or common interest operations over to a private firm. plans on constitutional grounds, cannot exist unless it is That, of course, was prior to the insulted Fijian does not re- possible for members of a separation. Whether the present spond with, What the hell are community to relate to each administration holds similar views these Indians talking about? other to discover what is not known. these common interests are essen- Political education is and to determine how they It does appear, though, that tial in developing countries if the can, in fact, become a true the fate of KJQR will depend in principles of human rights are to community.--D. W. Conrath great part on the wishes of the new is enjoy universality. Democracy and G. B. Thompson, "Com- Marianas Legislature. The station, an introduced to most ideology munication Technology: A since the status negotiations began, even Pacific societies and today Social Perspective, in has provided extensive coverage of a to is still foreign concept many. The Journal of Communica- the many political issues. In addi- Free speech may be an inalienable tion, March, 1973. tion, the Legislature and the in the west, but to right actually Saipan Municipal Council received in that are practice it societies live coverage when they were in still cognitively traditional takes session. Any decision to lease or courage. sell KJQR to a private concern must Vusoniwailala (Lasarusa comple- receive the approval of the Northern While a at the encouraging dialogue ted one-year internship Marianas Legislature. for political education towards Communication Institute in May democratic the a Scholar development, press and began Degree grant There may be other opportuni- should tread lest the same month. wearily they for graduate study ties for private broadcasting corn- break the thin cord of tolerance He is a graduate of the University and rob society of its freedom of of the South Pacific.) (continued page 12) 10

New Zealand

Mr. Laurie A. Cox Executive Secretary EWC GRANTS OFFERED N.Z. - U.S. Educational Founda- tion P. 0. Box 3465 Journalists in the Pacific For further information on the , New Zealand should be aware of the opportunities program and admission qualifica- to study and complete degree pro- tions, contact: Papua New Guinea grams being offered by the East-West Center. The Guidance Officer Jefferson Fellowship Program Principal of Education For those interested in degree East-West Communication Institute Department Konedobu, Papua New Guinea programs, the Center offers scholar- 1777 East-West Road ships for M.A. and Ph.D. study Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 USA through five problem-related insti- Solomon Islands tutes and an Open Grants program. Degree studies are completed at the of Hawaii. A limited Director of Education University of Education number of B.A. grant opportunities For those interested in further Department Honiara, Solomon Islands are offered. information on the East-West Center and its programs, please contact the following in-country EWC Program In addition to the Communica- Representatives: Tonga tion Institute, the Center also of Education administers the Population Insti- Director tute, the Culture Learning Education Department American Samoa Institute, the Food Institute, the NukuAlofa, Tonga and Insti- Technology Development Mr. Sala E. Samiu tute, and an Grants program. Open Assistant for Public Deadlines for admission from Special Trust Territory of the Pacific vary Affairs to For more infor- Isi ends country country. of Education/Finan- niation on the Center and the various Department cial Aid Mr. H. Moses Institutes, interested persons Augustine Pago Pago, Tutuila for Adult, should contact either the program Assistant Director American Samoa 96799 Vocational and Ed. representatives for their country Higher are at the end of the Office of the High Commissioner (addresses Australia article) or write to: The Office Trust Territory of the Pacific of Admissions, East-West Center, Islands Mr. Bruce Farrer 1777 East-West Road, Honolulu, Saipan, Mariana Islands 96950 Executive Officer Hawaii 96822, U.S.A. Australian-American Educational Foundation Western Samoa For journalists interested in P. 0. Box 1559 professional study at the East-West Canberra Center, the Communication Institute City, A.C.T. 2601 Secretary to the Government Australia Government of Western Samoa offers the Jefferson Fellowships. Prime Ministers Eight are offered Department fellowships being or P. 0. Box 193 to mid-career journalists from Asia, Western Samoa the Pacific and the United States Apia, for the 1977 Jefferson Fellows Churchill House pro- 218 gram. Northbourne Avenue Canberra, A.C.T. Gilbert Islands Tuvalu and Futuna French The fellowships provide for a Wallis Cook New Caledonia total of 16 weeks of study and Islands investigation at the East-West Com- New Hebrides The munication Institute and profession- Secretary al travel on the U.S. Mainland or Public Service Commission Mr. Harlan Y.M. Lee P. 0. Box 24 Second Secretary and Consul in Asia. The program, which pro- vides Fellows with funding for Rarotonga, Cook Islands American Embassy travel, tuition and maintenance, GPO Box 218 will commence January 23, 1977, in Fiji Islands Suva, Fiji Honolulu and will conclude May 13, Mr. Harlan Y.M. Lee 1977. The application deadline is ruand Norfolk Island August 1, 1976. Second Secretary and Consul American Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer Grants are not for basic train- GPO Box 218 American Embassy ing in journalism radio, or televi- Suva, Fiji Canberra, Australia sion techniques. Rather, they are for professional development and Guam Niue study by journalists to increase their knowledge of international and Dean of Students Cultural Affairs Officer professional issues and to discover University of Guam American Embassy new knowledge through their own P. 0. Box EK P. 0. Box 1190 investigation. Agana, Guam 96910 Wellington, New Zealand

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION STRESSED P".I.N.A. ON 'ELECTRIC PACIFIC PROGRAM The 'Electric Pacific" program Pago Pago, and the National Broad- held on April 4 appears, from all casting Commission of Papua New indications, to have been a success. Guinea carried edited excerpts of The Pacific Islands News Asso-The pan-Pacific conference (see the three-hour conference. ciation is in the process of devel- PICN, March, 1976) was boosted by A number of important oping a journalism training program being carried on Radio New Zealand's points were discussed. that in Suva. L. 6. Usher, PINA orga- Concert Program as well as its Recognizing 'the electrics are there, nising director, said that Fiji short-wave service and National Pro- partici- pants admitted that there remained media representatives at a March gram regional stations. A total of an understandable reluctance on meeting agreed that there was ur- 20 New Zealand transmitters were the of Pacific Islanders gent need for training in journalism involved. part many to on the new communication for newsoaners, broadcasting ser- rely included links to continue ties with vices and government and statutory Other live hook-ups experts Commission, in New Zealand or America.' The body information services in Fiji. the Tonga Broadcasting which went on the air early to carry possibilities of improved communica- The training course will con- the program, the Niue broadcasting tion within island nations was given centrate on the basic principles of service, and the Cook Islands radio a high priority by speakers from journalism and will be presented in system. Radio Fiji, Radio WVUV in Fiji and Papua New Guinea. short, concentrated intervals. It is estimated that about 25 trainees will take the initial course. THREE PAPUA NEW GUINEA COMMuNICATION STUDIES NOW UNDERWAY

Usher said that local companies will probably take the major respon- Three media studies are cur- Dr. Noble said that the studies sibility for running the program.rently under way in Papua New Guinea would be made available when they The program will be for Fijian jour- sponsored by the Psychological Ser- are completed. For those interested nalists in the early stages and will vices Branch of the Department of in this work, Dr. Noble's address rely on Fijian resources.the Public Services Commission. Ac- is: Dr. Grant Noble, Senior cording to Dr. Grant Noble, Senior Research Psychologist, Psychological that when the Usher indicated Research Psychologist, most of the Services Branch, Department of the program is established, 'we will be research is in the field work or Public Services Commission, Post in a position to explore the possi- write up stage at this time. Office, Wards Strip, Papua New bility of overseas aid, particularly Guinea. The cable address is: in the provision of training staff. The three studies are the ef- PSCOMMISSION, WARDS STRIP. fects of violence in comics and the cinema, attitudes to family FIJI GOVERNMENT USES CINEMA planning and media use in any family Communication planning campaign, and a study (continued from page 8) concerned with village and high and Hindi, two of the countries school 'uses" of mass media. major languages. Bibliography NORTHERN MARIANAS CHANGE DUE The topics of these locally Annotations produced documentaries include (continued from page 10) information on government achieve- panies to enter the Northern ments and provide news of plans for Jim. The Eggensperger, Marianas to operate AM or FM radio development, agricultural schemes, Guam's TV Evening Fights: stations or television stations. the expansion of water supplies and Newsmen Battle for Viewers,' is AM There already one station and road construction. They publicize in Islander 2, May 1976, an FM station licensed to operate medical campaigns against filiria- Pacific News, 2, Daily May on Saipan. A TV station, WSZE, has sis and promote village hygiene and 1976, 6-11. been on the air for pp. the past four family planning as well as recording years. A cable TV company recently historical events such as the South A account of the journalistic obtained a license to do business Pacific Arts Festival or Fiji's personalities and programing issues here. Independence in 1970. involved television news on Guam. KUAM-TV and Guam Cable TV are con- The success of private radio, A film unit staff of less than sidering increasing their budgets television or cable television in seven full-time members is respon- the Northern Marianas for news programming and the article will depend, sible for the scripting, filming, reviews the recent history of the of course, on the advertising reve- editing and screening of government efforts. No mention is made of nues available in the area. With documentaries. The impact of these KGTF-TV, Guam's public television the increase in foreign business locally produced documentaries how- local station. activity, advertising may be ever, goes beyond the Fiji popula- supplemented by foreign advertising tion. Brief features are included on As the prospects for increased Although a regional film center the news personalities at the two foreign investments in the Northern for the exchange of movies among stations. The Guam television jour- Marianas appear to be good, the Pacific islands has not been estab- nalists, as a group, have had little prospects for private communication lished. Fijian produced films are prior experience in broadcasting. media may also be strong. being utilized in other countries. 12