A Samoan journalist has completed an internship with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in Australia where he undertook two weeks of media training.

Vaai Moeona Folasa, who works for the local digital service firm Bluwave Samoa, was successful in his application for a Douglas Gabb placement with ABC and recently returned from Australia where he undertook two weeks of media training. He was joined by additional Douglas Gabb interns from Vanuatu and Tonga. The ABC hosted the interns at its Brisbane studio.

In a press release issued by the Australian High Commission in Apia last Friday, the AHC said Australia believes in a thriving and independent media sector and is committed to upholding press freedom at home and across the globe. As part of that commitment, the Australian government funds the Douglas Gabb Australia Pacific Journalism Internship in partnership with ABC. The program provides opportunities for Pacific journalists to collaborate and share knowledge with Australian media professionals.

Vaai’s successful application for the program was also supported by both his employer and the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS). Other Samoans who have been part of the Douglas Gabb Awards program include award-winning author Lani Wendt Young and journalists Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson and Meritiana Oti.

Commenting on his two-week internship, Vaai thanked the Australian government and the ABC and indicated that he is already putting to good use his newly learnt skills.

“The training provided through the Douglas Gabb Awards was incredibly valuable and a lot of the knowledge I have gained I am already incorporating into my work," he said. "I thank the Australian Government, as well as the ABC, for delivering a world-class program. 

"I look forward to finding opportunities to share this knowledge with my Samoan colleagues to further develop our media sector."

JAWS President Lagi Keresoma expressed appreciation for the training opportunity that the Douglas Gabb placement has given Vaai.

“We are always pleased for these opportunities to develop Samoa’s media sector and are grateful to the government of Australia for their continuous support in this area," said Ms. Keresoma. "Some of our journalists have not had formal journalism training, so opportunities like these are a great way for them to learn more and develop their knowledge and skills.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity given to Vaai to be part of such a prestigious program in Australia which he will share with our industry members."

Highlighting the Australian government's support for the media sector, Australia's High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck, said: “Australia’s investment in the media sector, both at home and in the Pacific, reflects our commitment to upholding press freedom, empowering local voices, and strengthening the media’s role as a necessary pillar for all thriving democracies."

Australia also supports Samoa and the region’s media sector through the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS). PACMAS is managed by ABC International Development and funded by the Australian government and supports the development of a diverse, independent and professional Pacific media sector.

Bluwave, based on information posted on its website, is a digital media platform "tailored to Pacific People" and offers digital services such as videography, photography, graphic designs and websites.