SYNOPSIS

From the environmental destruction caused by the US military in Northern Mariana Islands, to women leading the way in Vanuatu, each episode in this series shares a different story of resilience – but all share the spirit of a people united in the face of climate change.

Climate Mana was hosted by renowned climate journalist Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, whose roots are planted in the village of Safua, Samoa.

WHAT WE DID 

This was the first time that ABC had commissioned a series told directly by Pacific Islander reporters. Up until this point, production crew would be on the ground producing the story — but this new working model was an opportunity to empower local reporters by providing production support from a distance.

Using Google Meet and WhatsApp, we workshopped story ideas and production plans with reporters, then helped assemble tape, write scripts and record studio sessions remotely.

We wanted to foreground the very personal, lived-experience of each of the reporters. To that end, we landed on an episode format that devoted half the run time to the host and reporter discussing the making of the reporter’s package.

Climate Mana was broadcast by ABC Radio Australia on local airwaves all across the Pacific. It has since been licensed by Radio New Zealand.

CREDITS

Publisher: ABC Radio Australia

Host: Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson

Reporters: Lice Movono, Thomas Manglona, Rutha Alick, Esther Pavihi

Producer: Marcus Costello

Sound Designer: Marcus Costello

Sound Mix: Kristina Miltiadou

Executive Producer (Audiocraft): Kate Montague

Executive Producer (ABC Radio Australia): Faleagafulu Inga Stünzner

Commissioner (ABC International): Justine Kelly