ABSTRACT
The Pacific region is very diverse in terms of culture, ethnicity, language, political systems and development. Its nations, regions and territories share a range of common problems, such as fragility, isolation and susceptibility to natural disasters. On top of these there have been military coups, violent ethnic conflict, climate change and resource degradation. All these, as well as some restrictions on free press, pose significant pressures for journalists. Due to its fragmented nature, much of the Pacific’s journalism is local and regional. Some major issues in Pacific journalism include a young and inexperienced journalist corps, high staff turnover due to low salaries, a lack of resources and the influence of Western news values. This chapter argues that the public benefits of high-quality, independent news reporting can be enhanced by the infusion of the traditional Pacific practice of talanoa (consultation and dialogue), based on indigenous communal values. In locating journalism as a public good, this chapter argues for increased public support for high-quality journalism that delivers a public benefit. The danger in such support is that it can lead to a relationship of dependence that can compromise journalistic independence. However, ‘talanoa journalism’, it is argued, can mitigate that risk.
