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Articles by Michael Chow
Program: Only two days left to enter Pacific Break 2026!
In case you need a reminder - you only have two more days before entries for Pacific Break 2026 close! For some extra motivation, Jacob and Michael blind-reacted to a powerful ballad out of Timor-Leste from singer Alicia Silva in today's Soundcheck. And Grammy-nominated artist Josh Tatofi has dusted off the cowboy hat for his brand new record Paniolo Country that brings his signature island sound together with a country spirit.
Program: The Pacific players fronting up for France & Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is here with Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, France, Papua New Guinea, Lebanon, England, Tonga, Fiji, and the Cook Islands kicking off in the group stages. While everyone is getting ready to support their respective Pacific national teams, Michael Chow spotlighted the Pacific Islander players who are representing France and Lebanon in the News Footlines.
Program: Untangling the truth about the health impacts of kava
In the final episode of Culture Compass for this season, Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina Von Reiche investigates how the widespread commercialisation of kava has fuelled a wave of misunderstandings around its health implications. Dr Apo Aporosa, a Fijian health scholar at the University of Waikato, is calling for more research on the impact of kava consumption. Coming in hot for today's Pacific Break Soundcheck was a fresh entry out of Port Moresby from EDM artist Y-ZAH.
Program: The Pacific has sounded the alarm on the climate crisis, but is anyone listening?
Pacific people have sounded the alarm on the climate crisis for decades, but is anyone listening? This was the question asked in the latest episode of ABC Pacific's Talanoa on climate episode. Nesia Daily took a listen to the discussion led by host, Professor Jioji Ravulo alongside guests, Alisi Rabukawaqa-Nacewa, Vishal Prasad, and Latina Fatiaki. We turned up the volume on a fresh submission to ABC Radio Australia's Pacific Break music competition in the Soundcheck.
Phoenix police investigate 4-year-old boy's backyard drowning
Phoenix police Officer Erik Larson holds up crime tape at a scene where three kids, ages 3 and younger, were found dead at a residence in the 2500 block of East Vineyard Lane in Phoenix on Jan. 20, 2020. A 4-year-old boy died after being pulled from a backyard pool on Oct. 10, Phoenix firefighters said. Firefighters responded to a reported drowning near 67th Avenue and Baseline Road at about 9:45 p.m., said Cpt. Todd Keller, a spokesperson with the department.
All UA fraternities restricted amid assault, hazing allegations
The exterior of the University of Arizona in Tucson on March 23, 2014. Michael Chow/The Republic USA TODAY Network, Reuters The University of Arizona is temporarily barring all of its fraternities from hosting and participating in events, citing multiple investigations that have overwhelmed officials. Nine fraternities at UA are either under active investigation or facing sanctions, nearly half of the 21 fraternities in the Interfraternity Council, the local governing body for fraternities at UA.
Program: Accessibility to climate finance one of the 'biggest topics' at Pre-COP talks
Pre-COP talks have entered their third day in Fiji and Tuvalu as world leaders and delegates gather to discuss climate priorities ahead of the United Nations COP31 Conference in November. The ABC's Natasha Emeck unpacked the Leader's Event in Tuvalu, the Taku Pakasoa Declaration, and what's expected from the last day of official discussions. At the top of the show, Jacob & Michael previewed track submitted by Tahitian band MONAMONA for the Pacific Break Soundcheck.
Program: Bula! Nesia Daily celebrates Fijian Language Week
Bula! It's Fijian Language Week and what better way to celebrate than a game, specifically a blind-ranking challenge of five iconic Fijian songs. Featuring classics like Black Rose, Blad P2A and of course, Fiji, hear how Jacob McQuire does in this week's TOPS.
Program: Pacific climate advocates demand Australia to 'break this addiction' with the fossil fuel industry at Pre-COP talks
As Pre-COP enters its second day in both Fiji and Tuvalu, Pacific climate advocates demand Australia to "break this addiction" with the fossil fuel industry if they want to demonstrate genuine climate leadership. Global leaders have gathered in the two Pacific nations for talks ahead of next month's United Nations COP31 climate summit in Türkiye.
University of Arizona settles multimillion-dollar gender pay dispute
The exterior of the University of Arizona in Tucson on March 23, 2014. Michael Chow/The Republic USA TODAY Network, Reuters The University of Arizona has reached a $2.6 million settlement to end a lawsuit from employees who claim they were paid less because of their gender. From 2022 to 2026, the plaintiffs argued that women working in enrollment services at the University of Arizona Global Campus were paid less than the men in those same roles.
See 30-year history of the proposed copper mine at Arizona's Oak Flat
Resolution Copper wants to extract copper from Oak Flat, a campground that is part of the Tonto National Forest in Miami, Arizona. The method of extraction the mining company wants to use will eventually create a giant sinkhole on land sacred to the Apache.
Program: Pacific Voices, Global Decisions: Jeremy Gwao Weighs In
To start your morning, Jacob and Michael dial +677 for our community correspondent for today Jeremy Gwao coming straight from Honiara, Solomon Islands. Jeremy fills us in on the Pacific voices at the United Nations General Assembly and reflects on the push for accessible climate finance and why Pacific voices matter as the region gears up for COP31. After the hard-hitting news headlines, Jacob and Michael bring you the softest-hitting news in Footlines.
Program: Last Bus Home: Fresh sounds from Suva Fiji for pacific break
To tee off the show, Jacob and Michael call up proud Cook Islander, Nesian Footy co-host and former Sydney Rooster Tinirau Arona to break down the weekend in the NRL. With the Dolphins and Panthers eliminated, T looks ahead to the Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights.
Poolside bites to celebrity chef restaurants at Marriott Desert Ridge
Crab fried rice is prepared at the Kembara booth at the Devour Culinary Classic on Feb. 23, 2025. Michael Chow/The Republic USA TODAY Network, Reuters At most hotels, you can get a meal without having to drive somewhere. Sometimes, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. As one of the largest resorts in Arizona, spanning 350 acres and housing 950 guest rooms, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa dining scene packs in enough to fill a downtown block or two.
Nesia Daily - ABC Pacific
Taking control of our morning, 20-year-old New Zealand-Samoan musician NELZ joins us this morning for a yarn about his journey from making music for fun with his schoolmates to going viral at just 16 with his breakout hit, Trying. He reflects on the pressure of finding success so young, the influence of artists like The Kid LAROI, staying grounded through it all and stepping into a new chapter with his latest single, Take Control.
Mother in Surprise fights off coyote, protects 4-year-old daughter
The coyote is not native to New Jersey but has been seen in every county in the state. Michael Chow/The Republic USA TODAY Network, Reuters Brittany Cardinal was flying a kite with her 4-year-old daughter Emily in her Surprise neighborhood when a coyote attacked them, she said. Cardinal protected her daughter, shouting at the coyote and fighting it by putting it in a choke hold, she said. During the struggle the afternoon of Sept. 7, the canine bit her face.
Program: Jacobs Top 5 Tok Pisin Tunes
It’s a good day to be a rugby league fan, as Jacob and Michael preview the upcoming NRL finals and the highly anticipated Rugby League World Cup in the morning’s softest-hitting sports bulletin, The Footlines. They then turn their attention to the latest from the OFC, covering the wins, losses and Michael’s gripes with the audio mixing on its live streams. The boys may promise soft-hitting news, but they still hit hard enough to put the “bullet” in bulletin.
Naoero flips the script for its first feature film Far End of the Sea and goes global
A film from a tiny island just 25 square kilometres in size has found a global audience and gone viral, with more than 820,000 views on YouTube since it launched two months ago. Far End of the Sea is Naoero's (formerly known as Nauru) first feature film and puts the Pacific nation's people, culture and landscape at its centre. It's also a homecoming for co-producer Cramer Cain, Naoero's most famous actor and familiar face on Australian film and television screens.
Program: Take-Off with VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus
Michael kicks off the show with Scott Waide for this week’s Weekly Wontok. Scott takes us inside breaking news of what’s being described as one of the biggest heists in PNG’s history, after two security vehicles in port moresby carrying gold and cash were intercepted by a group of armed men wielding military-style rifles.
92-year-old killed wife over money argument, Goodyear police say
Phoenix police Officer Erik Larson holds up crime tape at a scene where three kids, ages 3 and younger, were found dead at a residence in the 2500 block of East Vineyard Lane in Phoenix on Jan. 20, 2020. Michael Chow/The Republic USA TODAY Network, Reuters A 92-year-old Goodyear man was arrested and accused of killing his wife by stabbing her multiple times in the neck with a "kitchen knife after an argument over investment funds," court documents said.
Program: Pacific Break is back: Joji Malani on what makes a winning entry
With the ABC's Pacific Break competition back in full swing, Nesia Daily catches up with proud Fijian-Australian musician Joji Malani, founding guitarist of the ARIA Award-winning band Gang of Youths. From overcoming childhood health challenges through music to returning as a Pacific Break judge for a second year, Joji reveals not only what shaped his musical tastes and career, but also what he listens for in a winning entry.
Nesia Daily - ABC Pacific
It’s that time of year again! The Pacific’s biggest music competition, Pacific Break, is back in full swing, and Michael catches up with proud Fijian-Australian musician Joji Malani, founding guitarist of the ARIA Award-winning band Gang of Youths and a returning Pacific Break judge.
Program: Take a listen to Pacific Break 2025 winner Chris Kamu'ana Rohoimae
We are going to keep reminding you all week - Pacific Break 2026 is officially open! We're looking for the best original music from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. This morning we wound the tape back to listen to 2025 winner Chris Kamu'ana Rohoimae's set at the Pacific Break launch concert in Samoa last year. Naumati Rainforest is home to the last remaining lowland Pometia forests, locally known as tava, in the Pacific.
Arizona recorder's election-denying allies boost legislative campaign
Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap. Heap has repeatedly cast Arizona's elections in doubt without credible evidence. Michael Chow/The Republic USA TODAY Network, Reuters Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap's allies are financially supporting a lawyer from Stephen Miller's firm running for the Arizona Legislature, all while the attorney landed Heap a major victory in his push to gain more power over elections in the battleground state's most populous county.
Program: Into the rainforests of Fiji: Finau Fonua shines a light on the critically endangered Kulawai
Across the Pacific, Jacob and Michael catch up with this week’s “community correspondent” Finau Fonua, trekking his way through the beautiful islands of Fiji. Between rainforests near Suva and local wildlife, Finau takes us on the journey while spotlighting the critically endangered Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet), a uniquely Fijian bird you might recognise from the country’s $5 note.
Program: Kolohe Kai, a rascal in the seawater
A rascal in the seawater, riding the waves and bringing the tunes.
Program: 'We need to bring closure to the families': Provinces continue searching for victims of PNG boat tragedy
It's been described as one of Papua New Guinea's worst maritime tragedies in recent years. Two boats travelling through the Bismarck Sea capsized on Saturday, 18 July, with 27 passengers on board. The ABC's Theckla Gunga said it has been "really emotional" for villages who have held vigils for the 13 victims whose bodies have washed ashore in New Ireland Province.
Program: 'Putting power back into the hands of our people': New solar initiative sparks energy independence for Pacific
Access to reliable energy across the Pacific is a challenge, particularly for those in remote outer islands. Running diesel generators is a common solution, but it comes with heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. In countries like Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, the price of everyday electricity is around three times higher than that of the global average. Beyond the cost, the logistics alone of connecting geographically isolated islands to their own power grid is an uphill battle.
Program: Weightlifter Morea Baru secures PNG's first medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games
And it was an exciting opening weekend of sport at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Pacific teams dominating lawn bowls, swimming, basketball, boxing and netball as Michael Chow highlighted in the Weekend Shouts. But it was Papua New Guinean weightlifter Morea Baru who secured the first medal for his country after winning bronze in the Men's 65kg Weightlifting.
Nesia Daily - ABC Pacific
It was a tense morning in Port Vila, with many anxious Ni-Vans on the edge of their seats and glued to their screens as they watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina.
Program: 'I'm Moluccan': Vengaboys lead singer Kim Sasabone opens up about her Pacific Island ancestry
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Kim Sasabone is best known as the lead singer of the Vengaboys. Her voice has been boom-boom-booming across dancefloors, festivals, and party playlists worldwide since the '90s. However, what most fans don't know about Captain Kim is that her family's roots are found in the Pacific — specifically, in the Melanesian islands of Maluku.
Program: Kim Sasabone of The Vengaboys tells her story for the first time
She's known globally as Kim Sasabone - lead singer of The Vengaboys, but for the first time, Kim tells the story of her family and heritage which actually, has roots in the Pacific.
Program: Kim Sasabone: The Vengaboys star reflects on her Moluccan roots
For millions of people around the world, Kim Sasabone needs no introduction. As the lead singer of Vengaboys, she's helped sell more than 25 million records worldwide, and the Dutch pop phenomenon's songs have filled dancefloors, wedding receptions and party playlists for nearly three decades.
Program: 'Ancestrally connected': Through language and dance, Robati Harrison carries his love for Kiribati
Following a week of celebrations in the nation of Kiribati for their 47th Independence Day, Nesia Daily sat down with Brisbane-based community leader, Robati Harrison, for a crash course in all things Kiribati culture, language, and dance. Growing up on the island of Marakei fostered Robati's love of te mwaie ni Kiribati (traditional Kiribati dancing) and te anene (singing); traditions he proudly shares with the I-Kiribati and Pacific community in Australia.
Program: Bougainville's DoomsVein to live on in prestigious heavy metal archive
From the likes of Metallica and Iron Maiden to Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, the Encyclopaedia Metallum documents more than 100,000 metal bands worldwide, and now a band from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville has been included in one of metal's most respected online archives. After years of lighting up stages with a mix of heavy, doom and thrash metal, Bougainville's DoomsVein has quickly found itself at the forefront of the region's heavy metal scene.
Program: 'Come see the urgency': Solomon Siren marks 10 years since the loss of Kale Island to sea-level rise
Rising from the water of a sandy beach in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands, is the figure of a woman, eyes closed, resting her head against a tree. At high tide, parts of the sculpture disappear beneath the water - a quiet nod to the history of the land it stands on. The Solomon Siren, an underwater sculpture by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, tells the story of award-winning climate activist Gladys Habu Bartlett and the loss of her ancestral land, Kale Island.
Program: ' We fall forward, stronger than ever before': Vanuatu's capital celebrates Port Vila Day 2026
Communities gathered in Vanuatu's capital at Seafront Park to celebrate 51 years of Port Vila Day, with stalls, food, music, and parades. This year's event is celebrated under the theme, "Yumi rebuilt tugeta mo grow strong", acknowledging how the city and the people have rebuilt their lives after the 2024 earthquake.
Program: 'We must continue to fight the fight': Three decades on, Eddie Koiki Mabo's legacy endures
Celebrated annually on June 3, Mabo Day marks the historic 1992 High Court of Australia ruling in the Mabo v Queensland (No 2) case led by Torres Strait Islander man, Eddie Koiki Mabo. The landmark Mabo decision paved the way for native title and abolished the legal fiction of terra nullius in Australia - land belonging to no one. Reflecting on Mabo Day, Torres Strait Islander journalist Karen Dorante told Nesia Daily that Eddie Koiki Mabo is remembered as a "hero".
Program: From coconuts and opportunity to presenter and prankster: Meet PNG comedian Steven Tau
In a nation as sprawling as Papua New Guinea, where the majority of its people are spread across rural and remote communities, social media has been the key to keeping wantoks connected and entertained. For homegrown creatives like Steven Tau, it's been a massive game-changer. For social media users in PNG, Steven's face is recognisable from a number of viral videos and promotional brand campaigns he's featured in over the years.
Program: 'We've come so far': Timor-Leste marks its 24th Restoration of Independence Day
Bondia! Twenty-four years ago, on May 20, Timor-Leste officially regained its sovereignty after decades under Indonesian occupation and United Nations administration - an event celebrated as its Restoration of Independence Day. RTTL World News reporter Fernanda Maria joined Nesia Daily from Dili to reflect on what this anniversary means to her and the people of Timor-Leste, more than two decades on. The Timor-Leste flag, Dili City Timor-Leste, Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Program: While ticking off her bucket list, Shonee Samia found her passion for the screen and hasn't looked back
It was the moment when Shonee Samia was barrelling towards Earth, skydiving in a panda onesie, where she found the clarity and strength she needed. She had been given the soul-crushing news that she had developed inoperable brain tumours for the second time. Told she only had a few months left to live, Shonee describes the time as her "lowest point in life".
Program: All that jazz: Samoa gets into the swing for International Jazz Day
Today, Samoa joins more than 190 countries around the world in celebrating International Jazz Day. First recorded in 1917, jazz spread rapidly from the United States to the Pacific, reaching Samoa, where groups such as the Apia Jazz Band were performing by the 1920s. Nesia Daily spoke with the founder and lead heritage artist at Tiapapata Art Centre in Apia, Galumalemana Steven Percival, about the history of jazz in the Pacific and the genre's deep connection to Samoan musical traditions.
Program: Niuean-Samoan pop artist Tyrun releases debut EP, Fall in Love Again
Growing up in Aotearoa New Zealand, singer Tyrun often questioned his Niuean identity. But through music, he found a way to reconnect through language. The artist, who also has Samoan heritage, has combined contemporary pop and R&B with Vagahau Niue in his debut EP, Fall in Love Again. For Tyrun, each track on the EP is written to his younger self, unpacking his struggles with identity and belonging.
Program: 'A call to action': Emele Ugavule's Aqua Nullius asks what happens when the Pacific only exists online
Imagine a world set almost 100 years into the future. An event known as The Great Sink has caused all our islands to be claimed by the rising ocean. There's been a mass migration of our Pacific people, and all the physical things we once had, including our cultural artefacts, have all now been digitised at the British Museum. Here, we find a girl named Kalala who is working as a tour guide for the museum, navigating all our digital memories of a world we've since lost.
Program: After 24 years in Australia, Jacinta Bandi returned home to PNG and is already changing lives
After 24 years of raising her family in Australia, Jacinta Bandi decided it was time to permanently return home to Papua New Guinea - and in just a few weeks, she's already making a significant impact in her community. The mother-of-four spearheaded an initiative with the Rotary Peninsula 2.0 Club and The Momase Group, raising thousands of dollars to install three water filters for the Pawgi and Burui communities in Angoram and Wasara-Gawi, East Sepik province.
Program: 'A good crew member': Meet the master navigator who sailed with Will Smith in a traditional PNG sailau
Back in 2016, Papua New Guinean master sailor Sanakoli John made history for being part of a crew that completed the world's first circumnavigation of the island of New Guinea in a traditional sailau.
Program: From writing skits to recording hits, how did PNG funny man Dimi Carter break into the music industry?
Papua New Guinean musician Dimi Carter has been on a bit of a tear lately, thanks to a string of collaborative hits like Promise and Lovem Yu So. For his newer fans, though, it may surprise them to learn that the singer initially found fame years ago through short, comedic skits uploaded to social media. Perhaps aside from Donald Glover and his Grammy award-winning transition into Childish Gambino, it's not too often that we see a sketch comedian pivot so seamlessly into the music industry.
Program: Award-winning PNG filmmaker TJ Agua wants to inspire more young women to get behind the camera
TJ Agua is an award-winning filmmaker from Papua New Guinea. Within the span of a week, she wrote, directed, filmed, and edited a powerful two-minute film called Narcissist, which recounts stories from victims of domestic and family violence. The harrowing short received a number of accolades upon its initial release in 2020, but it was only uploaded to YouTube a few months ago.
Pacific Break 2025 winner Mantis performs live in the Nesia Daily studios
Call the Met Service because the Weatherman is in town! Ni-Vanuatu rapper and Pacific Break 2025 winner Mantis has arrived in Australia, and his first stop was the Nesia Daily studios in Brisbane. Mantis shared how the preparations for his upcoming showcase at WOMADelaide are coming along, and treated the crew to a live performance of his track, Melo Melo. Ni-Vanuatu rapper Mantis won ABC Radio Australia's Pacific Break competition in 2025 Pacific, Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Language preservation for the 'next generation': Tayla Bond on creating Nauru's first children's book
Growing up, Tayla Bond remembers her favourite stories were the ones shared by her elders around the bonfire at night. There were no books; the Nauruan language was just something that was learnt through spending time with family and playing with friends in the ocean. Until recently, the only children's books in Nauru were stories written in English or other foreign languages, but now Tayla is changing the tide.
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