NBC Milne Bay JIC inspires Diocesan SOCOM Personnel

Alotau: "What type of stories do you least enjoy covering? What type of stories do you love covering? What is your secret to being in NBC for more than twenty years?"

SOCOM participants pose for a group picture after their visit to NBC Milne Bay

These were the questions asked by the fascinated participants of the Catholic Bishops Conference Social Communications Summit when they were addressed by NBC Milne Bay's Journalist in Charge, Priscilla Waikaidi on Tuesday March 18, 2025.

Mrs Waikaidi presented an inspiring session on The Role of Media in the Community to help the Diocesan Media Personnel to appreciate and understand their roles as communicators in their Dioceses.

"Being in the media industry can be both fun and challenging. At times, we will encounter challenges but what's important is how we overcome and rise above these challenges. As media personnel, we have to constantly remind ourselves of the reason why we do our job and it's because we have to keep the public informed"

In response to the participants' questions, Mrs Waikaidi shared that she least enjoys covering stories on crime.

"Covering crime stories has sometimes put my safety and that of my family at risk. There have been instances where I have been threatened. But that has not stopped me from doing my work as a journalist".

She also shared that she enjoys covering stories about agriculture.

"Agriculture is a topic that I am passionate about because it is the sector that sustains the livelihood of most of our people in the rural areas. If I were to work in a different setting apart from what I am doing now, I would definitely work in the agriculture sector"

When responding to the final question, Mrs Waikaidi shared that she prefers to see things from a bigger picture and her passion of getting stories out from Milne Bay has been her inspiration.

"My passion in getting stories out of Alotau to the national level is what keeps me going. On some occasions, I have to cover my own costs when going out to get stories. My dedication and the support I also receive from my family and the public has earned me a good reputation. Sometimes when covering crime stories, it is the community members that provide me with security when I enter their communities to cover the story. Different experiences over the years have made me feel like I have the responsibility to tell my people's stories because they matter"

Mrs Waikaidi concluded her talk by sharing a few of her success stories.

Diocese of Bougainville participant Robert Aneisia commended Mrs Waikaidi for her dedication and commitment.

"We are privileged to have finally met the face behind the voice that files stories from Alotau and we are inspired by your talk".

Diocese of Wabag participant Jonathan Sope Anro thanked Mrs Waikaidi for giving him the motivation to continue telling stories that matter in his Diocese.

"I really appreciate Mrs Waikaidi's talk and I feel motivated because in the Diocese of Wabag, not only do I cover church stories but stories of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) as well. Sometimes, I get scared to cover SARV stories but after listening to her experiences of covering crime stories in Alotau, I know that I can make a difference when I tell stories of SARV survivors and stand for the truth".

The session ended with a visit to NBC Milne Bay where the participants had the privilege of touring the studio and meeting the dynamic staff of NBC Milne Bay.

Mrs Priscilla Waikaidi has a Bachelor in Communication Arts - Journalism from Divine Word University and has been with NBC Milne Bay for 22 years.