The current roll for journalism students at the National University of Samoa is at a peak intake in the course despite the industry experiencing a shortage of journalists. 

Like other sectors facing a brain drain, the fourth estate is no exception but there is hope that the Media and Journalism programme offered at the local university will assist in filling in the gaps.  

The N.U.S. Head of Department for Media and Communication and senior lecturer, Dr. Honiara Amosa said the programme is at its best with the resources available. 

“It’s perhaps the biggest number we’ve had (since I’ve been back) despite not being fully equipped with all the latest equipment to facilitate our courses, I can safely say that our team is doing really well,” said Dr. Amosa in response to queries from the Samoa Observer. 

A total of 15 students enrolled in the first intake for the course, five in the second year and there are four other students enrolled in the Bachelor in Journalism. 

The Head of Department noted there have been students who withdrew from the programme and opted to take up the other courses. 

There are currently two full-time lecturers and two part-timers for the journalism paper. 

One of the first graduates from the new Bachelor in Journalism course is Taimalelagi Tutuila Farao, who is now a principal officer at the Samoa Tourism Authority.  

The N.U.S. in 2021 offered media and journalism courses as part of the foundation arts certificate in a move to gauge students' interest in the work of the press. 

There were plans in the past to shelve the media and journalism classes at the university because of the lack of interest from students in the work of the press.

Senior journalist and freelancer, Galumalemana Autagavaia Tipi said there was a time in the past that the intake in the media discipline was high but the number dropped over the years. 

Galumalemana said most journalism students do not take up the work of the press but choose employment in other areas. 

“At the time they do their studies they learn that this is not an easy profession,” he said. 

“Some think we just go to court and collect information and report on that but there is more, you have to have an understanding of the law otherwise you get in trouble.”

The senior journalist pointed out it has been observed over the years that students with low grades were taking up the programme because it was the only option of study they had. 

“It appears that they put all the students with low grades in our programme but we need smart students to lift the profession,” he said. 

“It's not an easy job and students realise that when they go out in the field and for any student thinking of taking up journalism, they need to up their game too and have thick skin to deal with people. 

“The Opposition calls us gossipers but in any democratic country we need a free press.” 

The media celebrate World Press Freedom Day every year on 3 May and this year the theme is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis”.