BBC Media Action provided media equipment support to local media partners as part of its Media Strengthening initiative, supported by the British High Commission in Samoa through the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of local media organisations to produce high-quality, trusted content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences across Samoa. 

Last month, two portable television cameras were formally handed over to TV5 and Hamo FM during a ceremony held at the British High Commission in Apia. The equipment was presented by Deputy British High Commissioner Daniel Garlick, alongside Liz Ah-Hi, Project Manager of BBC Media Action.

Deputy British High Commissioner Daniel Garlick said the support reflects the United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Samoa’s media sector.

“BHC Apia was pleased to handover the second batch of media equipment as part of the UK-funded BBC Media Action project.” Said H.E Garlick. “We hope TV5 and Hamo FM will be able to use the cameras and tripods to provide high-quality and trusted information across Samoa.  Strengthening public interest media is essential to democratic stability in Samoa and across the Pacific region.

Representatives from both media outlets welcomed the support, highlighting the practical impact the equipment will have on their day-to-day work.

TV5 Management Representative, Leuotele Tamati, said the new camera addresses long-standing technical challenges faced by the station.

“For some time, the poor quality of our equipment limited our ability to capture professional footage, and in some cases forced us to miss important stories altogether. This new camera enables us to produce clear, high-quality visuals, reduce editing time, and focus more on storytelling, ensuring that our communities’ voices and achievements are documented to the standard they deserve. Thank you to the British High Commission for their generosity in sponsoring this new TV camera through the BBC Media Action.” 

Hamo FM spokesperson, Sula Schuster, said the equipment will significantly enhance the station’s visual storytelling alongside its radio programming.

“Thank you to the British High Commission for the generous donation of video equipment to support our media and content production. This will enhance our programmes by enabling high-quality visual storytelling alongside our radio content, allowing us to better capture interviews, community events, and public-interest discussions, while supporting our commitment to using media responsibly to inform, uplift, and connect our audience.” 

Earlier this year, two additional portable television cameras were also provided under the same initiative to Radio 685 and the School of Media and Journalism at the National University of Samoa, further extending support for local broadcasting and journalism training.

The equipment support forms part of BBC Media Action’s broader commitment to strengthening media institutions, supporting professional journalism, and enhancing public-interest media in Samoa.