Even though a majority of PIMA members called for a public forum on the state of National Pacific Radio Trust though its website discussions, the following decision to accept the restructuring without community debate and media industry forum makes us wonder whether
our own journalists have anywhere to freely air their concerns. Thank u PMC for the opportunity to continue dialogue
PIMA ACCEPTS PACIFIC MEDIA NETWORK RESTRUCTURE PLANwww.pacmediawatch.aut.ac.nzAUCKLAND (Pacific Media Watch): The Pacific Islands Media Association, the Auckland-based organisation representing Pasifika journalists and media people in New Zealand, has apparently accepted a controversial restucturing plan by the National Pacific Radio Trust in spite of a call by some PIMA members for a public debate.The plan for the Pacific Radio Network, NiuFM, 531pi and Pacific Radio News is described by the trust as part of an "optimisation and streamlining process" - one that is widely expected to lead to some staff redundancies.The network has been embroiled in controversy since a reshuffling of the Pacific news team four months ago.In a statement tonight by the PIMA committee, issued by chairman Aaron Taouma, it was declared that the organisation "accepts from time to time media organisations, just like other businesses, need to restructure. This sometimes means staff will be lost."The statement said:"According to the media release [see pmw5511] by the National Pacific Radio Trust (NPRT), the restructure at Pacific Media Network, NiuFM, 531pi and Pacific Radio News has occurred as part of an optimisation and streamlining process by the network."This has occurred after a recent survey of radio listeners on the NiuFM frequency coverage range, an internal review of processes and a review by the board."PIMA accepts that from time to time media organisations, just like other businesses, need to restructure. This sometimes means staff will be lost."This process is unfortunate and PIMA hopes that the PMN management will put in place a system to assist those who may be displaced."In these times we pray for the wellbeing of staff at PMN who have been made redundant and hope that remaining and new staff will see the network through to a vibrant and bright future of radio broadcasting."In this process of change, PIMA would like to encourage:* Standards of broadcast remain in place and all parties come to amicable resolutions;* Processes of transparency and good faith are kept by all parties;* The release of information and explanations around changes are made readily available;* That change results in quality broadcast services for Pacific people here in Aotearoa."PIMA encourages member organisations to show proper regard to due process when handling human resources, and, where a high turnover of staff persists, ongoing review of staff retention issues, including by independent mediation."It is regrettable that experienced and qualified individuals may lose their positions."PIMA hopes through this process of change the Pacific Media Network and NPRT keep their mission statements and objectives to the fore and this restructure results in better performance and quality of broadcasts in keeping with the Pacific way."PIMA website:www.pima.org.nz* Comment on this item: pacific.mediawatch@aut.ac.nz+++niuswirePACIFIC MEDIA WATCH ONLINE www.pacmediawatch.aut.ac.nzPACIFIC MEDIA WATCH is an independent, non-profit, non-government organisation comprising journalists, lawyers, editors and other media workers, dedicated to examining issues of ethics, accountability, censorship, media freedom and media ownership in the Pacific region. (c)1996-2008 Copyright - All rights reserved.Items are provided solely for review purposes as a non-profit educational service. Copyright remains the property of the original producers as indicated in the header. Recipients should seek permission from the copyright owner for any republishing. Copyright owners not wishing their materials to be posted by PMW please contact us. The views expressed in material listed by PMW are not necessarily the views of PMW or the Pacific Media Centre.For further information or joining the Pacific Media Watch listserve, go to:http://lists.apc.org.au/listinfo.cgi/pacific_media_watch-apc.org.auEmail:pmc@aut.ac.nzFax: (+649) 921 9987SnailMail: Pacific Media Centre, School of Communication Studies, AUT University, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, Aotearoa/New ZealandWebsite: www.pmw.c2o.org
