The Samoan Government has issued a press release detailing its media and communications plans for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, to be held in Apia from 21 to 26 October. This marks the first time a Pacific Island nation will host CHOGM, and Samoa aims to leverage this opportunity to highlight its perspectives and those of the broader Pacific region on a global platform.
According to the Media and Communications Committee, comprehensive planning is underway in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat to ensure media elements for the event are well-organised. The release emphasises that all media representatives wishing to cover official CHOGM activities, including Commonwealth Forums and side events, must apply for accreditation by 21 September 2024. Local media accreditation will be managed by the CHOGM Media and Communications Sub-Committee, while international media will be vetted by the Commonwealth Secretariat, with security checks conducted by Samoa’s law enforcement agencies.
The Government also explained that media access to certain venues will be limited due to security and logistical considerations, a standard practice for CHOGM events. To manage space constraints, media pooling will be implemented, where selected journalists, along with the Host Broadcaster and Photographer, will gather photographs and footage to be shared with all accredited media through the CHOGM Media Centre. This approach, the release notes, aligns with international media practices for large-scale events. The CHOGM 2024 Media Centre, located at the Radio 2AP Centre in Mulinu’u, will serve as the hub for all media activities, providing facilities such as workspaces, editing booths, interview rooms, and press conference areas.
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