Study shows increase in knowledge levels of BPA and Referendum
There has been significant increase in people’s knowledge levels on the Bougainville Peace Agreement and referendum, however continuous awareness is vital in the lead up to the referendum and beyond.
This was one of the key findings of the second Bougainville Audience Study, which was launched in Buka today.
ABG’s Media and Communications Director, Adriana Schmidt, says the report provides government and its stakeholders with a clear picture of current understanding levels and information needs of Bougainvilleans who will be voting in the referendum.
“The study represents the voice of over 1000 Bougainvilleans within and outside Bougainville, on their knowledge levels of key BPA and referendum information, their aspirations and specific information needs,” she said.
A key finding from the research talked about the people’s desire to know more about what the two options mean in very practical terms, and also the need to understand more about the process that will happen after the vote.
The research also provides key recommendations to improve engagement towards having a holistic approach for different audience groups, such as women and young people.
“As government and key stakeholders actively involved in awareness activities, it is up to us to respond with information that manages people’s expectations with transparent and realistic discussion of challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Bougainville beyond the referendum.”
Since the last study was conducted, the ABG has responded to the recommendations by focusing on communication ‘black spots’ across Bougainville and actively providing information about the Peace Agreement and referendum through:
Print media: continuous production ABG’s Bougainville Bulletin of 30,000 copies each edition distributed across Bougainville
Established community based media outlets such as the RADIO PLES LAIN which has conducted more than 300 community-based broadcasts
Three regional Community Information Centers established
Consistent updates of key BPA/Referendum information based on jointly agreed content
Progressing work to improve Bougainville’s radio infrastructure
These efforts will continue in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure that our people are well-informed on important issues as we look forward to the October vote.
The Audience Study project was supported through the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The Bougainville Audience Study is available for download on the ABG’s website https://abg.gov.pg/uploads/documents/Bougainville_Audience_Study_-_Phase_2_June_2019_-_Final_Report_-_Compressed.pdf
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