Media in Niue face challenges such as limited staffing, resources, and infrastructure. This was highlighted in a study on the “State of the Media-Niue” published last week.
The study reveals media in Niue face distinct challenges and opportunities, given the very small size of the media landscape.
These include investigative journalism being perceived as intrusive and divisive, and the limited newsworthiness of content, given that information tends to reach the community before it is reported by the media.
However, the tight-knit nature of the Niuean community also allows information to be verified promptly, which contributes to less misinformation risks.
The overall summary of the 30 page study has identified that social media and online content are the primary sources of news and information amongst audience members sampled.
Almost all media organisations, government departments,and civil society organisations in Niue have social media accounts to connect with their audiences, notably on Facebook
The Broadcasting Corporation of Niue (BCN) is the only national public broadcaster and operates Radio Sunshine and TV Niue.
The study was led and designed by ABC International Development, The University of Adelaide’s Stretton Institute. Fieldwork and data analysis conducted by Pacific researchers.
It was funded under the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme, an Australian Aid initiative implemented on behalf of the Australian Government.
The study is part of a regional report of 12 Pacific countries’ media landscape that will serve as an accessible resource for media, civil society, and governments in the region.
Link to the State of Media-Niue can be accessed via this link:State of the Media Niue