Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) Board Chairman Solomon Kalu and Chief Executive Officer Johnson Honimae paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele today at the Prime Minister’s Office to present SIBC’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and provide an update on the broadcaster’s operations.
Since its removal as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) on 27 June 2022, SIBC has transitioned from a profit-oriented entity to a national broadcaster operating under the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).
During the meeting, Mr Kalu and Mr Honimae briefed the Prime Minister, who is also the minister responsible for SIBC, on the vision and priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan. Developed with support from the New Zealand Government, the plan provides a roadmap for the organisation and its staff, outlining key priorities to strengthen SIBC’s services to the people of Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed the Strategic Plan and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the national broadcaster as a key institution supporting unity and stability across the country.
“SIBC plays a central role in promoting unity and stability, which is one of the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s fundamental policy pillars, Unity and Stability. Hence, we see SIBC as an important institution for the Government,” Prime Minister Manele said.
Chief Executive Officer Johnson Honimae thanked the Prime Minister and the Solomon Islands Government for their continued support for the national broadcaster, including the annual SBD 5 million subvention grant.
He also acknowledged the Government’s decision to release the grant in full rather than in instalments, noting that the support is critical to sustaining SIBC’s operations and services to communities across the country.
Key strategic priorities discussed during the meeting included upgrades to broadcasting infrastructure. Work is currently underway in Lata, Temotu Province, with support from the Prime Minister’s Office to improve radio coverage for communities in the province.
SIBC also highlighted the upgrade of its AM transmission system at Henderson as a priority project. The 1035 AM medium-wave band remains one of the most widely accessed platforms for listeners, particularly in Honiara, Guadalcanal, Malaita, and parts of the Central and Western provinces.
The current AM system operates at only about 50 per cent of its capacity, limiting its reach and signal strength. Upgrading the system would significantly improve signal quality and coverage, enabling more reliable access to news and information for a larger portion of the population.
The broadcaster also noted that shortwave transmission on 5020 kHz at Henderson remains an important channel for audiences in remote islands during morning and evening hours, reinforcing the need to maintain and strengthen national transmission capabilities. SIBC continues to explore partnerships and support to enhance these critical broadcasting systems.
In television, SIBC is also exploring collaboration with Telekom Television (TTV) to broadcast content through one of its channels, while discussions on partnership arrangements continue.
SIBC also maintains working arrangements with Solomon Telekom Company Limited, including the use of its towers to transmit FM signals in Malaita and Western Province, helping to expand access to broadcasting services across the country.
The courtesy visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between SIBC and the Government and highlighted the broadcaster’s central role in informing, connecting and serving Solomon Islanders across the archipelago.
