State of the Media Review in Four Melanesian Countries - Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu - in 2015

Abstract

This Discussion Paper looks at the shifting media landscapes in four Melanesian countries in 2015 — Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It charts and links the key developments, and considers their potentially wide-ranging impacts on policy, politics, free speech and good governance. Of the many profound and rapid changes experienced in 2015, some of the most significant can be linked to the growing use and influence of social media. This is discernable from internet statistics, research reports, media advocacy group statements, news items and the reaction of governments (see Internet World Stats 2015; International Federation of Journalists 2015; Pacific Freedom Forum 11/4/2015; Radio New Zealand International 16/10/2015; Reporters Without Borders 2015; Shing 4/7/2015; Tahana 21/1/2015; Tarai et al. 2015; The National 27/3/2015; UNESCO 2015; Wood 22/1/2015).