Happy 10th birthday, TV1!

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 17 July 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Quality Broadcasting Corporation, which runs TV1, celebrated its 10th birthday during the weekend.

To mark the occasion, the Managing Director Galumalemana Faiesea Matafeo and the Management of TV1 hosted a Ball at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel. 

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi was the guest speaker.

In response to questions from the Samoa Observer, Galumalemana said the occasion at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel was for the staff and their spouses.

“It was a small way of thanking staff and appreciating their families’ support and understanding because our staff members usually work very long hours,” said Galumalemana.

 She also spoke about some highlights of the TV station over the past 10 years.

“We take pride in being able to serve our country through broadcasts of prestigious international events, free of charge. While viewers in almost every other country pay a lot of money to watch events such as the Rugby World Cup, F.I.F.A. World Cup, Olympics, World Rugby 7s and many others, Samoans just turn the TV set on and enjoy.

“Up-linking LIVE broadcasts from Samoa to the outside world not only to promote Samoa as a sports hub for the region, but is also an opportunity to showcase Samoa, its people, culture and language and promote it as a tourist destination. 

“The ability to broadcast online, in real time, connects Samoans all over the world, keeping them informed of what is happening here in Samoa and remain connected to the motherland.

“We are proud to have been able to achieve our commercial objectives as a private business while not losing sight of one of our major goals, which is to help preserve our language, culture and faith. 

Galumalemana said there are always challenges. 

“High operational costs and damages to equipment as a result of natural disasters and lightning were some of the biggest challenges we faced,” she said.

“How did we overcome them was through efficient management of resources and by having the greatest, committed, loyal and dedicated young team and of course through prayers.”  

The broadcasting team plans to do better over the next decade. 

 “After the privatisation, most of the employees opted to take their redundancy benefits and leave. Only 19 remained with us. Now we have forty staff members and the business is still growing.”

Galumalemana added the celebration last week recognised her hard working staff members.

 “The awards were for staff members who had been with us since the first day of being a private company up to this point in time and have achieved 10 years of service,” she said.

She urged the young people of Samoa to take interest in media and journalism studies.

“There is a great need for journalists, producers, reporters, editors, announcers, graphic artists, etc,” she said.

“The media industry is vital for the economic, political, and social development of our country.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi was a guest and had the honour of cutting the cake. 

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 17 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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