The Asia Media Centre, a New Zealand-based organization dedicated to fostering stronger ties with Asian nations through media engagement, is spearheading an initiative to bring New Zealand journalists to Sri Lanka for immersive study tours. This endeavor aims to cultivate a more profound understanding of Sri Lankan commerce, tourism, and cultural heritage among the New Zealand populace. Graeme Acton, the Media Centre Manager, is currently in Sri Lanka to assess the viability of this media internship program.
Building upon the success of similar programs conducted in Southeast Asian and South Asian nations, this marks the inaugural foray into Sri Lanka. “We have successfully facilitated media internship programs in Thailand, the Philippines, and India, and we are now extending this opportunity to Sri Lanka,” stated Acton. “The core objective of this internship is to provide New Zealand journalism students with invaluable practical experience within an Asian media environment. We offer financial support, including grants to defray the costs of air travel, lodging, and living expenses.”
The realization of this program has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the New Zealand Embassy in Sri Lanka, Tanya Scoot, the Director of Communications and Media at Asia New Zealand Foundation and Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka Board Member WISH Foundation, and other key stakeholders. Acton, who assumed his position at the Foundation in February 2020 after a distinguished career at RNZ in Wellington, brings extensive media expertise to this initiative. His professional background encompasses senior editorial roles, including foreign news editor, chief reporter, morning report deputy editor, and regional editor. Additionally, he has experience in commercial news radio and journalism training. Acton holds a political science degree from the University of Canterbury and a graduate diploma in journalism.
David Gregory Pine, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka, emphasized the program’s broader objectives, highlighting the intent to bolster bilateral trade and tourism. He articulated a vision of significantly increasing New Zealand tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka, aiming to elevate the current figure of 12,000 in 2024 to 25,000 within a year, with a long-term goal of reaching 50,000.
The internship program is designed to provide New Zealand journalism students with hands-on experience in Sri Lankan media outlets, enabling them to gain firsthand insights into the country’s socio-economic and cultural landscape. This immersive experience is expected to foster a nuanced understanding of Sri Lanka, which the students can then convey to the New Zealand public through their reporting.
By facilitating direct interaction between New Zealand journalists and Sri Lankan media professionals, the Asia Media Centre aims to bridge cultural and informational gaps. This initiative is anticipated to contribute to a more informed and balanced portrayal of Sri Lanka in New Zealand media, thereby enhancing bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding. The program’s focus on practical experience and cultural exchange underscores its potential to create lasting connections between the two nations.
Moreover, the influx of New Zealand journalists is expected to generate increased media coverage of Sri Lanka in New Zealand, thereby raising awareness of the country’s diverse attractions and opportunities. This enhanced visibility is poised to stimulate tourism and trade, contributing to the economic growth of both nations. The initiative by the Asia Media Centre represents a strategic investment in fostering stronger ties between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, leveraging the power of media to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures and economies.
