In-Depth Solomons (Solomon Islands)

Mission and Vision

In-Depth Solomons was founded with a clear purpose: to uncover corruption, hold leaders accountable, and empower communities through investigative journalism rooted in depth, transparency, and precision.

“We want our readers to have more accurate and balanced information so they can form their own opinions. This is why we set up the news outlet.”

Gina maka, Co-founder

Context and Challenges

The Solomon Islands, home to around 700,000 people spread across hundreds of islands, faces a shortage of robust media infrastructure. Press freedom is often undermined by political pressure, and investigative journalism is both difficult and risky. Despite this, the team behind In-Depth Solomons believed that uncovering wrongdoing and sparking public dialogue could lead to meaningful change.

Impact Through Investigative Journalism

One of the outlet’s most notable investigations focused on the unexplained wealth of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Released in video format just before national elections, the report questioned the origins of his extensive property holdings. It shed light on the lack of financial transparency in government and the imbalance of resources in the country. Following the report and a poor electoral performance, Sogavare stepped down after four non-consecutive terms as prime minister.

Expanding Editorial Scope

Beyond political investigations, In-Depth Solomons is tackling underreported issues in sectors such as mining and logging. One investigation revealed how unregulated mining was harming biodiversity and threatening the health and livelihoods of rural communities. The report also exposed flaws in environmental assessments, pointing to broader risks for long-term sustainability.

Sustainability and Future Plans

The outlet currently relies on grants and Google AdSense for revenue, but implementation challenges have limited financial growth. Looking ahead, the team plans to hire a dedicated salesperson to strengthen their revenue strategy. They also see significant potential in building community support through a monthly newsletter that highlights their impact and deepens reader engagement.

Sustainability Outlook: Future growth depends on diversifying revenue, strengthening community engagement, and maintaining consistent editorial output.