Adventist Media Centre opens in Vanuatu Mission

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vanuatu marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its premier media hub, showcasing Adventist Radio Vanuatu 107.5 and Hope Channel TV on February 25.

Pastor Charlie Jimmy, the president of Vanuatu Mission (VM), heralded the event as a pivotal move in disseminating hope and faith throughout the archipelago. He accentuated the Church's dedication to collaborating with the government in enhancing cultural identity and healthcare services.

Anticipated to serve as a vital facility for the community, the newly established Adventist Media Centre is set to provide an array of programs aimed at fostering spiritual growth and raising health consciousness.

The ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, who underscored the government's endorsement of the Church's initiatives. Reflecting on the nation's ethos of faith in God and adherence to Christian principles, he commended the Adventist Church for launching these media channels, signifying a landmark achievement for Vanuatu. The genesis of Adventist media in the nation can be traced back to the creation of the media communication department in 2011, supported by ADRA Vanuatu, and highlighted by significant events such as Hope Channel Vanuatu receiving its broadcasting license in 2012.

The path to this accomplishment was fraught with obstacles, notably Cyclone Pam in 2015, which devastated TV antennas, transmitters, and other broadcasting apparatus.

In response, VM dispatched a production crew to Fiji in 2016, which culminated in securing 300 local content programs for Hope Channel. A provisional studio was established in 2017, leading to the procurement of funding for a dedicated media centre building in 2021, with construction initiating in 2022.

Dr. Vyacheslav Demyan, the president of Hope Channel International, extended a warm welcome to Vanuatu into the worldwide network of Hope Channel stations. He voiced his encouragement for the preservation of Vanuatu’s distinctive cultural identity and the influential role its media is poised to play in the societal landscape.