Journalism training aid by Australians: A case study in Solomon Islands

After the ethnic clashes and generally poor plight of SolomonvIslands at the turn of the millennium, the country has been the recipient ofvsubstantial international foreign aid, which has included journalism educationvand training, particularly from Australia. However, little independent research has been done about the role of Australian trainers and the history of journalism training in this period of change and restoration. This article seeks to provide a point-in-time report on journalism training in an aid context, in a bid to provide a baseline for future investigation of changes in the media landscape and training in Solomon Islands. This research draws on in-depth interviews with engaged stakeholders in Solomon Islands, including journalists, civil leaders and government figures. It also discusses the Australian government-funded media aid programmes, including the Solomon IslandsvMedia Assistance Scheme (SOLMAS) and its unnamed predecessor.