Office of Public Information Director resigns, acting director named

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Nine months into his tenure as Office of Public Information Director, Aaron Hall has submitted his resignation to the Governor’s Office and yesterday afternoon the governor appointed Aoelua Solomona Aoelua as acting director.

KVZK news confirmed Hall’s resignation on their news Monday evening.

Prior to stepping down from his position, there were a number of changes implemented and Hall said that TV is now in a stable condition after numerous of changes. 

 “We have done great things at TV. As I’ve always said to the staff and others, the mission of TV is to serve our people, and so do it well and give the people what they deserve, which is the best.

 “Unfortunately my time as of now to serve in this capacity has come to an end but roles and responsibilities have been established for many of the staff and I have full faith that the operation is in good hands.

 “I thank our almighty God for all and everything he has provided me throughout my life. I am truly thankful to Honorable Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga for the opportunity to serve in his Administration. I thank our people locally and abroad for your support and enjoying all the new things we have brought to the TV.”

Last month the government’s newsletter outlined a number of the changes made to the operation of KVZK.

 “The technical upgrades include the Digital Broadcast Playout, Remote Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cameras, Internet Protocol (IP) Device Integration, Remote Sector Upgrade, and Tape and Reel to Reel Digital Conversion (CLIR).

 “The digital broadcast playout allows KVZK-TV master control room (MCR) technicians to schedule daily programming from the server to a computer program that plays a programming playlist.

 “This upgrade eliminates the manual work of switching out tapes and DVDs between programs. The broadcast quality is currently in Full High Definition (FHD) 720p and soon to be in High Definition (HD) 1080p. Previously local televised broadcast hours were Mon- Sun 6am - 12am (18) hours of broadcasting daily, with the digital broadcast playout upgrade broadcasts now are extended 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.”

According to the newsletter, the remote PTZ cameras allow cameramen to operate the cameras remotely and integrate them into emergency posts during a natural disaster.

 “They are also beneficial to remote learning and social distancing activities. The IP device integration is an internet protocol integration that allows all internet connected devices the ability to troubleshoot, monitor, and receive updates as needed.

“IP cameras can also be controlled from any location on the Island. The remote sector upgrade transfers audio/video and data wirelessly without the internet.”

Furthermore the upgrade allows for live remote broadcasting, which transports the live production directly to the broadcast studio without the use of internet.

“Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding and partnership with the Department of Human Resources, youth interested in the Media industry can apply for an internship with KVZK-TV.”

Yesterday afternoon the Governor’s Office issued a memorandum appointing Aoelua Solomona Aoelua as acting director of the Office of Public Information. Aoelua was the governor’s first choice for the directorship, but he failed to get confirmation first time around.