CHOGM Sāmoa 2024: Operational Note for Media
(19 September 2024)
Media Arrangements at CHOGM for accredited journalistsThe 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) takes place between 21 and 26 October 2024 in Apia, Samoa. The deadline for media accreditation is 23.59hrs 21 September Samoa Time.
Leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries will meet to reaffirm their common values, collaborate, and agree actions and policies to improve the lives of all their citizens. Decisions taken at CHOGM also guide the work programme of the Commonwealth Secretariat.The official opening of CHOGM takes place on Friday 25 October and will be preceded by high-level ministerial meetings, forums, and side events, between Monday 21 October and Thursday 24 October.
There will be a Leaders’ Retreat and closing press conference on Saturday 26 October. High-level sessions and ministerial meetings at CHOGM take place behind closed doors; however, there will be pool opportunities for media at the start of sessions.
Media PoolsMedia pools at CHOGM are the responsibility of the Commonwealth Secretariat, managed through a central system supported by Secretariat staff and the Host Government (the Government of Samoa) taskforce.
Pool size will be determined by venue size and security factors. We will endeavour to make them as large as possible.Representation:
To ensure media from all member countries are given fair access, the pool system is designed to be as representative as possible of regions, countries, broadcasters and agencies. In practice this means that if space is limited, member states or even regions may only receive one pool space on particular pool.
Application process:A list of each pooled CHOGM event will be made available at the Media Centre reception desk from Sunday 20 October, when the Media Centre opens. Journalists are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Once pools are decided and closed, journalists will be notified if they are part of the pool, or not.
Transportation for pools:Media will be transported and escorted by staff to and from each pool session.
Sharing material:Media who participate in pools are required to hand over their footage to the pool manager immediately on their return to the Media Centre for download and onward sharing. This is a condition of being accepted onto a pool.
Host Broadcasters’ footage:The Host Broadcasters for CHOGM are TV9 and Radio 2AP. The Host Government has also appointed MMG Communications to film all open events. This material will be made available to all accredited CHOGM journalists and outlets without restrictions; however, footage must be credited to TV9 and Radio 2AP.
Opening Ceremony (25 October)Media access to the official Opening Ceremony will be restricted to an accompanied media pool determined by regional representation. Space is very limited at the event venue. Leaders’ Photograph Following the Opening Ceremony, leaders will gather for an official group photograph which will be taken by the Official Photographer. In addition, there will be provision for a representative pool of photographers.
Photographs/ FilmingThe Host Government will have an official photographer and videographer at all open events. Their photographs and footage will be made available to all journalists/outlets at the Media Centre as soon as possible. Each government delegation is either allowed one official photographer or videographer at all open events. In practice, a delegation cannot have both a photographer and videographer.Stand-up broadcast facilitiesMedia will be able to reserve stand-up broadcast slots at relevant venues. The spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please make enquires to the Host Government team at: media@samoachogm2024.wsEditing boothsIf you require access to editing booths, please make enquires to the Host Government team at: media@samoachogm2024.ws
Transportation for media
Transportation to and from CHOGM venues, including the Media Centre, will be provided to media staying at the recommended Media Accommodation. If you are staying elsewhere, you will be responsible for getting to and from the venue each day.
Media Contacts