George Atkin, Solomon Islands journalism pioneer, dies

Renowned Solomon Islands journalist George Atkin has died in his home village of Tawatana in West Makira. Atkin was a prominent figure in Pacific journalism, having served as a correspondent for RNZ International and ABC Pacific.

He was a pioneer in the region's media landscape, serving as the first president of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) from 1985 to 1989. Throughout his career, he worked for several major outlets, including the Solomon Star newspaper, the Island Sun newspaper, and the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation.

Colleagues and media professionals across the Pacific have paid tribute to his legacy, describing him as a mentor and a professional who understood the power of journalism to influence policy and hold leadership accountable.