The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) has announced the appointment of Matai Akauola, News Director of the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited (FBCL) as its new Manager and Training Co-ordinator.

The position has been vacant since 2004 when the two regional media organisations - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association (PIBA) and PINA merged.

Mr Akauola, who sits on the PINA Board as a Radio Industry Representative will resign his board membership wth immediate effect. The PINA Board will decide on a replacement at their next scheduled meeting before the end of the year.

"Mr Akauola brings with him vast experience in both Fiji and regional media affairs. He has 26 years of experience in radio, print and television. He has also been closely involved with changes introduced at the PINA Secretariat in Suva," said PINA President, Joseph Ealedona

"We are still in the infant stage of the merge and the new Board appointed in Honiara has achieved its first priority to appoint a new manager. The next task will be to reorganize the Secretariat and begin discussions with stakeholders to assist in the primary role of PINA - promotion of media freedom issues and media training."

Mr Akauola was chosen ahead of three other candidates.

Mr Ealedona said the PINA Board was appointed to ensure that the organisation promotes and defends media freedom for its members and conduct training that will improve media standards in the Pacific.

"We hope to achieve that with the two year term appointment of a new manager."

Mr Ealedona has urged all member associations to put aside all past differences and work together for the good of the media in the region. PINA, 02/11/07.