CAAMA has a new CEO

The Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer, effective from 27 January 2023.

Sonya De Masi was chosen after an extensive and competitive national selection process and Board Chairman Paul Ah Chee says “Sonya brings a wealth of journalism and editorial leadership experience, a track record in international media development and project management, with astute business acumen.”

De Masi joins CAAMA from ABC International and has previously held senior leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector including Internews and with United Nations peacekeeping.

She says she is proud to be given the opportunity to lead such a historic media organisation, “CAAMA holds a special place as a voice for Indigenous Australians.

“People in communities across the Northern Territory and Australia need access to quality public interest journalism and accessible information. This work is more important than ever.”

De Masi follows outgoing CEO Jim Remedio who expanded and strengthened CAAMA’s remote network of stations during his three-year term.

He says, “In this my second time with CAAMA I would like to thank colleagues and staff, the Board, members, the community and in particular officials at NIAA who worked closely with us through our transitional phase. 

“CAAMA and Alice Springs has been a second home for me and it is sad to leave, but I have seen the Todd River flow four times this time around and they say once you see the river run a few times that you will always be back. This is not goodbye to CAAMA, and the people I have worked with and the friends I have made will always be in my heart forever.”