Prime Minister promises to resume regular Press Conferences

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, SAMOA – 06 May 2024- Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has promised to resume regular press conferences after a call from the Samoan media during the celebration of Media Freedom Day last Friday.

The call was put through by veteran journalist Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia when he delivered the word of thanks to the invited guests.

Prime Minister Fiame was the guest of honour and she delivered the keynote address at the celebration.

In response to the request, she said “ua lelei, o le a fai – okay we will do it.”

She also corrected a media publication that it has been a year since the Prime Minister had had a press conference.

“The last time I called a press conference was September 2023,” she said.

And light heartedly she explained that after a news editor interviewed her for a story, the owner of the media outlet shared that the editor found her “boring”.

On her comments on media freedom, Fiame acknowledged the crucial role the media and information plays in a functioning democracy.

“As the Fourth Estate, Government values the media’s pivotal role in the dissemination of factual information for a better-informed Samoa and enabling informed decision making,” said Fiame.

She highlighted the fact that the media’s role extends beyond reporting.

“It shapes public discourse and influences action,” she said.

UNESCO Resident Representative for the Pacific States, Ms. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa & US Chargéd’Affaires Ms. Noriko Horiuchi.

Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis
The theme for this year’s celebration was Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environment Crisis.”

She said that through the media and their work, people come to understand the plight of our planet and are mobilized and empowered to take action for change.

“As we face the current climate emergency, responsible journalism can be a powerful force for good and I would be remiss in failing to acknowledge the contribution by our media practitioners for a job well done,” said Fiame.

Whilst she applauded the service rendered by the media, she also urged them not to be complacent in performing their duties as articulated in the Media Code of Ethics and Code of Practice.

“There is a need to assure that the principles and ethics of a free, impartial and independent media is not compromised for financial and personal gains,” she said.

She also touched on the challenges of press freedom which is at a crossroads with the entrance of the universal social on-line media associated with the disruptive power of Artificial Intelligence.

“The implications for the reliability of information and the sustainability of the mainstream media are likely to be profound in a year that is focused on critical post COVID-19 Recovery for the entire globe,” she said.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, guests and some members of the Samoan media at the celebration of the World Press Freedom Day at the STA Fale last Friday.

The WPFD message was delivered by the UNESCO Resident Representative for the Pacific States, Ms. Shamila Nair-bedouelle.

Reverend Dr. Siaosi Salesulu led the Prayer Service for the celebration who applauded the courage of journalists in their work.

“I believe, being a journalist demands courage and be able speak the truth in-front of people, honour and maintain the integrity of journalism,” he said.

He quoted one of the US late Presidents who said, “liberty depends on freedom of the press.”

“Speak with conviction, speak for the voiceless and make your words count, your work is essential as it preserves democracy. But bear in mind that freedom and license are different things,” he said.

“Some have sold journalism to become popular by aiming for markets and somehow, somewhere, truth is lost.

“Uphold your integrity, your Mana and do not undermine the credibility of your profession,” he said.

Across the Pacific region and according to Reporters without Borders press freedom index, which compares the level of freedom enjoyed by media and journalists in 180 countries, New Zealand has the best ranking in the region at 13, Samoa is at 19, Australia at 27, Fiji at 44, Tonga at 45 and Papua New Guinea at 91.

Last Fridays’ Media Freedom Day celebration was the first upheld by members of the Samoa National Media Association – JAWS, since the Covid lockdowns in early 2020.