Two emerging investigative newsrooms in the Pacific – In-depth Solomons and Inside PNG – have launched a new collaboration designed to strengthen cross-border investigative journalism in the region.
As part of the partnership, two Inside PNG journalists are currently in Honiara on a two-week attachment with In-depth Solomons.
The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the two newsrooms, both member centres of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the world’s leading network of investigative journalists.
In-depth Solomons co-founder and editor Ofani Eremae said the initiative is about more than just newsroom exchange.
“It’s about building lasting professional ties and working together on stories that transcend national borders,” Eremae said.
“Our vision is to strengthen collaboration between investigative journalists in the Pacific,” he added..
“By working side by side, sharing skills, and tackling stories together, we can better expose issues that affect our countries and the region as a whole.”
New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Rebecca Williams (third from right) with staff from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Inside PNG and In-depth Solomons during a lunch meeting this week, at Mendana Hotel, Honiara. The New Zealand Government is also a proud partner supporting both independent newsrooms in their mission to strengthen investigative journalism across the Pacific.
Inside PNG Managing Director, Kila Wani, who is part of the visiting team alongside colleague Helen Sea, said the partnership offers a unique opportunity for Pacific journalists to share experiences and perspectives.
“This attachment is not just about learning – it’s about collaborating on real stories and strengthening the ties between our newsrooms,” Wani said.
“We’re excited to work with the In-depth Solomons team and explore ways to tell stories that matter to our people.”
Both newsrooms have been recognised for their fearless reporting on corruption, governance, and environmental issues.
This partnership, Eremae says, will help amplify their impact and contribute to a stronger, more connected investigative journalism community in the Pacific.
The exchange is expected to include joint story projects, newsroom training, and ongoing collaboration beyond the attachment period.
It marks the first of its kind in the Pacific, setting a precedent for regional media cooperation on investigative reporting. It also lays the groundwork for future joint investigations into pressing issues like transnational crimes and political accountability within the region.
“We share a common mission,” Eremae said. “And together, we can make our stories – and our voices – even stronger.”
This article is a joint collaboration by Inside PNG and In-depth Solomons.
InsidePNG announced the appointment of Ms. Charmaine Yanam as its new Editor-in-Chief today.
Ms. Yanam, who has extensive experience as a news journalist across radio, television and most recently in the civil society space, will now lead the InsidePNG team as it builds its focus into investigative journalism.
A co-founder of InsidePNG, Ms. Yanam was a member of the EMTV News Team which was terminated en masse in 2022 under controversial circumstances.
“InsidePNG emerged from a group of 24 TV News Journalists, Cameramen and Video Editors who took a stand against bullying and intimidation in their newsroom.
“Now I have the opportunity to lead this team of intrepid truth seekers who are InsidePNG. Our focus now is on strengthening our investigative journalism capacity,” Ms. Yanam says.
As Editor-in-Chief, Ms. Yanam will be responsible for overseeing all editorial operations at InsidePNG, ensuring that the publication maintains the highest standards of journalism and delivers accurate, reliable, and relevant news and information to our readers.
All correspondence related to editorial matters, inquiries, and feedback should be directed to Ms. Yanam in her capacity as Editor-in-Chief.
InsidePNG is confident that under Ms. Yanam’s leadership, it will continue to be a trusted source of information, providing readers with valuable insights and perspectives to stay informed and engaged with current affairs.
Ms Yanam is also one of two co-founders of Inside PNG.
Six InsidePNG staff are in Manila to participate in the bi-annual International Media Conference hosted by the East-West Center (EWC) in Manila, Philippines.
Inside PNG is part of the Pacific Island contingent, supported by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
The prestigious global event brings media professionals from around the world to discuss current trends and challenges faced by the media industry.
The InsidePNG team, comprising journalists and experienced editors, is looking forward to gaining valuable insights, networking with their international counterparts, and sharing their experiences in covering stories that matter to the people of Papua New Guinea.
The conference, organized by the EWC and partners from various countries, will feature panel discussions, workshops, and presentations on topics such as investigative journalism, press freedom, media ethics, artificial intelligence and the role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability.
“We are excited to represent InsidePNG at this prestigious international media conference in Manila,” said Charmaine Yanam, Chief Editor and co-founder of InsidePNG.
“We are grateful to OCCRP for recognizing the importance of an independent newsroom that transmits through it’s continued support in pursuing investigative reporting.
This is the second time for InsidePNG to attend this event, the first was in 2022 where only two representatives attended. This time, six staff are in attendance.
InsidePNG Managing Director, Kila Wani (second from right) and Sincha Dimara (First left) standing with team at airport. This picture was taken in 2022 before Wani and Dimara left for Honolulu where the IMC was hosted in 2022.
“What makes it extra special for InsidePNG is, as an independent media organization, we have been selected along with five other Pacific Island media organizations as recipients of Financial Investigative Reporting Mentoring Project.
InsidePNG staff Charmaine Yanam and Julie Badui Owa are on this project for three years,” said Wani.
“This is a huge achievement for me personally and for Inside PNG, as we envisioned it to be an expert in that niche of journalism in Papua New Guinea.
There has been a lack of Financial Investigative Journalism or in-depth research and reporting on the topic in PNG; hence to have this opportunity and the backing to delve into it is a huge achievement. There are a lot of books that needs looking into; and this mentorship program will greatly assist us understand the financial language and hold those misusing public money accountable,” said Yanam.
Mrs Julie Badui Owa said “Inside PNG, although at its infancy stage, with only two years into operation, plans to be the leader in investigative journalism in the country.
“What we are focused on is influencing the trend of journalism through investigative journalism that has been lacking in PNG over the years.
Badui-Owa attributed her statement to three main reasons:
Lack of resources from media organizations
Security
Lack of training and capacity building.
“As a Lead Investigative Journalist with Inside PNG, I am privileged and blessed to be one of the recipients of the FIRM assistance project through the East West Center.
“With the great assistance and support from EWC through FIRM, I believe my Team and I will help contribute in generating change in Journalism and to effectively report on facts, or tell those stories that affect us and that matters; so everyone can participate in democracy.
“I believe we will make a big difference in bringing positive change through the stories we tell, and bring confidence back to the members of the public to hold those in power accountable for the betterment of our country and the world,” expressed Badui-Owa.
The team’s participation in the conference is expected to not only enhance their professional skills and knowledge but also foster greater collaboration with media professionals from diverse backgrounds, ultimately benefiting the media landscape in Papua New Guinea.
“Our journey embodies resilience within the media realm. As a newly established independent investigative journalism organization, we strive for not only financial sustainability but also the voices of the people amidst adversities and uncertainties, particularly in the face of the pervasive influence of social media and AI.
“Currently, our efforts are driven by volunteerism and partner donors in Organized Crime Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), EWC, and Internews and we continue to seek sustainable funding to fortify our operations for the long haul,” expressed Kila Wani.
She further emphasized the significance of press freedom and investigative journalism in today’s media landscape.
“Press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy, and investigative journalism plays a pivotal role in holding power to account and uncovering truths that would otherwise remain hidden.
“We, as journalists, have a duty to uphold these principles and safeguard the public’s right to information.”
The presence of InsidePNG staff at the International Media Conference signifies their commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism, and the pursuit of truth in an era marked by skepticism and misinformation.
**Inside PNG is a member centre of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)**