The Former Central Bank of Solomon Islands Governor said that there is a great need not only to report on economic issues but also to understand the overall implications. Mr Hughes told journalists of the need to develop professional economic journalism both across the region and at a national level.

Delivering the keynote address Pacific Islands News Association Convention, Mr Hughes said the media lacks basic knowledge and understanding of economic development that may often result in misrepresentation of economic issues. Mr Hughes says that whilst PINA is already engaged in economic reporting but still has a long way to go.

The former Central Bank Governor stated that most media reports with regards to economic issues are often superficial as most journalists tend to depend on official press releases saying that they are often intended to disguise the truth.

Mr Hughes said the media industry should collaborate with specialist agencies because there is a need for greater media involvement in the area of economic development.