The Society of Professional Journalists National Board unanimously passed the motion to form the SPJ Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Chapter last month. The chapter was last active three decades ago.
The chapter held its first official meeting last June 28 at Pepoy’s Cafe & Restaurant in Susupe, where they elected officers and welcomed its members. SPJ CNMI includes journalists from KSPN2 News, KUAM News, Marianas Variety News & Views, NMI News Service, and Saipan Tribune.
The Society of Professional Journalists promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry through the daily work of its roughly 6,000 members; works to inspire and educate current and future journalists through professional development; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press through its advocacy efforts.
KUAM News chief regional correspondent Thomas Manglona II was elected president. “It is an honor to continue the progress built by veteran journalists who’ve served our community through CNMI history,” Manglona said. He added, “I hope we can inspire and uplift the next generation of journalists. We want to protect the First Amendment. We are committed to impartial, fact-based reporting.”
Saipan Tribune reporter Kimberly Esmores was elected vice president. She said, “From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank my fellow journalists and media representatives in the CNMI for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as the vice president of the CNMI chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. I look forward to serving in this capacity and to contribute as best as I can to promote journalism on the islands.”
Marianas Variety News & Views reporter Bryan Manabat was elected treasurer-secretary. “The establishment of the CNMI SPJ chapter would not be possible without the commitment of the local journalists who bring the news to the public daily. It’s an exciting new chapter for local journalism,” he said.
Marianas Variety News & Views editor Zaldy Dandan is an original member of the first local chapter. Dandan said, “The Society of Professional Journalists had a strong presence on the island when I first arrived 30 years ago to be an editor/reporter of a (now defunct) local newspaper. I’m glad that today’s journalists have re-established a local chapter. Then and now, SPJ is a valuable organization for reporters who want to improve their skills in gathering the facts and disseminating them responsibly and with full accountability.”
Follow CNMI SPJ on Facebook at “CNMI Society of Professional Journalists” and on Instagram at @cnmi_spj. (PR)