MEDIA ALERT | SIGN FIJI PETITION

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PFF MEDIA ALERT

Members of PFF Pacific Freedom Forum have launched a call for solidarity for anyone who believes, as we do, that free speech is the cornerstone to growth and prosperity, to sign our petition supporting freedoms of speech in Fiji.

Signing the petition is open to members of the media - and anyone else who supports freedoms of speech in Fiji - a hub and centre for regional agencies working for nations and people of the Pacific.

As announced last week by PFF, the petition "Support Free Speech for a Prosperous Fiji" is aimed at all Pacific Islands leaders, not just those in Fiji.

The plan is to collect as many signatures as possible as part of our PFF campaigns to celebrate World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2009. The theme of WPFD this year is especially appropriate celebrating the role of the media, promoting cultures of mutual understanding and diversity.

Signing the petition is a reminder for regional leaders when debating options for the troubled republic - that freedoms of speech are fundamental to futures of any successful society - not an optional extra.

PETITION LINK

To view the petition and sign on, click here
http://www.gopetition.com/online/26992.html

Please forward this information as widely as possible!

FURTHER INFO ON PFF

www.pacificfreedomforum.blogspot.com

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Regime wants spin not journalism says PFF

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Pacific Freedom Forum

Media Release

www.pacificfreedomforum.blogspot.com

 

 

"Fiji regime wants spin, not journalism: Pacific Freedom Forum"

 

 

For immediate release: Friday 17 April 2009:  The Pacific Freedom Forum condemns the continued harassment and detention of

Fiji-based journalists, including those filing for or providing information to overseas news outlets.

 

Last night's jail stop for Pacnews/AP journalist Pita Ligaiula will hopefully end today. Ligaiula was filing for Associated Press and based at the PacNews Secretariat in Suva, and his detention under the emergency decree regulations occurred alongside the reported harassment of other journalists filing for outlets including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Radio New Zealand.

 

Leading Fiji journalists have been 'briefed' by Ministry of Information officials to put a positive spin on their stories, or face the consequences.

 

"This bullying behaviour on the part of Fiji authorities will only serve to still further focus attention on that country's situation, because the story will still, eventually be told," Pacific Freedom Forum chair Susuve Laumaea says.

 

"The reported invitation to 'approved' journalists - whose prior reportage on Fiji will be vetted prior to issuing visas - to come and tell 'positive' stories is ridiculous," he says.

 

"Local and overseas journalists were, like Pita Ligaiula, trying to provide balanced and accurate reports about Fiji, and all the current Fiji authorities can do is harass and attempt to silence them."

 

"Locking up reporters such as Fiji TV's Edwin Nand, whose interview with deported ABC reporter, Sean Dorney, was seen worldwide, and now AP's Pita Ligaiula, who works from PacNews and whose reports were also published globally, only demonstrates that those responsible need help and training in what real journalism is all about," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller.

 

"The increased pressure on our media colleagues in Fiji has only added to the credibility and respect they have earned from regional and international colleagues; and renewed solidarity amongst Pacific journalists," she says.

 

"PacNews is produced by the Pacific Islands News Association, itself a long running regional media and journalism support and training organization, which owes no loyalty to anybody except to its members and affiliates, and to the principles of fair, accurate, and balanced journalism."

 

"The continuing attacks on the Fiji media by the local authorities have been and continue to be condemned globally, and every instance of harassment and intimidation of journalists is being reported. PFF continues to encourage a return to due process by the current regime, by taking their issues through the complaints channels of the Fiji Media Council."ENDS

 

 CONTACT:

 

PFF interim Chair

Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea

Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com

 

PFF interim co-Chair

Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa

Mob    684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com

 

The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.

 

We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.

 

In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.

 

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MILK ban unhealthy for Samoa says Pacific Freedom Forum

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Pacific Freedom Forum
http://pacificfreedomforum.blogspot.com

 

 

Media Release

 

 

"MILK ban unhealthy for Samoa, says Pacific Freedom Forum"

 

For immediate release: Friday 17^th April 2009:  The Pacific Freedom Forum has expressed its concern over the banning of the Sean Penn film, 'Milk', as reported by the New Zealand Herald on April 9, 2009.

 

Samoa is the only nation worldwide where censors have specifically banned the multi-academy award winning film, which means those in Samoa will only see the pirated version or overseas-purchased copies smuggled into the country.   

 

"While we respect the need for censors to rule in the public interest, we say the personal bias of censors should not be allowed to overtake a ruling in that interest," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea. He says the authority of censorship should not be taken lightly, as is entails trust from the general public that decisions will be fair.

 

"Not only are Samoans being deprived of the experience of seeing a performance regarded as outstanding, by any standards, they are mystified, and rightly suspicious, about why the Samoa Censor Board has banned 'Milk', and this will only fuel their curiosity to see what the censorship fuss is all about," says Laumaea.

 

'Milk' is a docu-drama about the leading American gay rights activist, Harvey Milk, who was assassinated in 1978. It was nominated for eight Oscars, and won two, for best original screenplay, and best actor in a leading role, for Sean Penn's performance.

 

"The Pacific Freedom Forum calls on the Samoan film censors to fully and transparently explain themselves to the Samoan people, and re-consider its decision on banning 'Milk'," he says.

 

"Perhaps the ban, final though the board claim it is, means the Samoan authorities have a responsibility to the people to fully explain their reasons for their decision," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller, of American Samoa.

 

"It is critical that the censorship board account clearly for their wish to protect the people of Samoa from viewing this film, when other films depicting violence, sometimes graphic violence, are readily available in Samoan outlets," she says.

 

"Given the acclaim this film has received worldwide, and given the silence on exactly why it has been banned in Samoa, observers are left to wonder at the censorship standards being applied in a country where fa'afafine have a well established and respected role," says Miller.  ENDS

 

CONTACT:

 

PFF interim Chair

Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea

Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com

 

PFF interim co-Chair

Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa

Mob    684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com

 

The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.

 

We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.

 

In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.

 

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Kelea damages ruling excessive says Pacific Freedom Forum

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Pacific Freedom Forum

Media Release

 

www.pacificfreedomforum.blogspot.com 

 

"Kele'a damages ruling excessive, says Pacific Freedom Forum"
 
For immediate release: Thursday 16 April 2009:  The Pacific Freedom Forum, a regional media freedom and advocacy organization has expressed its concern about what appears to be an excessive and punitively draconian, defamation order handed down on April 8, by the Tongan Supreme Court against the local newspaper, Kele'a and its staff.
 
The finding was reported by Matangi Tonga Online on April 9, 2009.
 
Kele'a and its staff were ordered to pay TOP 500,000 (US$ 229,505.20) to the defamed individual, plus their costs.
 
"By no means does the Pacific Freedom Forum object to the finding of the Supreme Court, nor do we support what appears to be reckless and irresponsible publication of defamatory material by any media outlet," says Pacific Freedom Forum chair Susuve Laumaea, of Papua New Guinea.
 
"But the order imposed by the Tongan Supreme Court is too severe and borders on fantasy when it comes to payment in a nation where, on a per capita basis, the fine would be equivalent to an $8.3 million judgement in New Zealand - an unheard of amount even for a much bigger country and economy," says.
 
"It is clear the order will bankrupt both the newspaper and its staff and send people home."
 
PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa says the finding "brings to mind the severe fine and suspended sentences imposed on the Fiji Times' and its then senior staff over an admittedly contemptful publication of a letter in January, 2009."
 
"There is a place for punitive damages to be imposed on a media outlet for especially reckless and irresponsible publication which damages a person's valuable reputation, and, according to Matangi Tonga, publishing a statement from the Tongan Prime Minister's office dated April 8, 2009, Kele'a seems to have behaved both recklessly, and irresponsibly, throughout this whole affair."
 
"The Pacific Freedom Forum trusts that this severe and draconian fine imposed on a newspaper will not set a precedent for other Tongan or Pacific Region courts to use such methods to control or intimidate the media in their respective countries," Miller says. ENDS
 
 
CONTACT:
 
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
 
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa
Mob    684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
 
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.

We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.

In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
 

 
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No room for military in news rooms - PFF

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A screengrab from a TVNZ Breakfast interview with Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver, above, shows blank spaces left in Fiji Times after censorship from regime "information officers." A Fiji media worker was later detained for sending this footage to TVNZ.

Pacific Freedom Forum
http://pacificfreedomforum.blogspot.com/

Media Release

No room for military in news rooms, urges Pacific Freedom Forum

For immediate release: Tuesday 14 April 2009: A Pacific media freedom and advocacy organization, the Pacific Freedom Forum, has expressed deep sadness and outrage at developments in Fiji over Easter. They say more Pacific organisations and governments must ensure Fiji's people are left in no doubt whose side the people of the Pacific are on.

"As Pacific neighbours, we must not consider renewed intimidation of Fiji media a sovereign issue – what is happening there affects us all and we thank the Secretary General of the Pacific Forum for noting the special concern over curtailment of media freedoms in his statement on this matter," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea.

He says the Pacific Freedom Forum, along with other media freedom organizations world wide, "is horrified at the installation of censors in Fiji Newsrooms following the Easter abrogation of Fiji's 1997 Constitution, the deportation of more journalists whose news feeds inform Pacific nations including Fiji, and the re-installation of the military government ."

"This is the age of the Internet, and satellite broadcasting is widely received across Fiji, so locals will get their news from overseas sources almost as easily as they do from domestic sources."

"Putting police or soldiers into newsrooms who are not equipped to make informed judgments about the content of the news serves no useful purpose, and is an obvious big-brother bullying tactic aimed at monitoring not just what goes into the newspapers, but the contacts and working-culture of journalists as they go about their daily work," says PFF Co-chair Monica Miller.

"This move given the continuing sanctions and tactics by the current regime, may soon lead to complete shutdowns of the media outlets that refuse to denounce their ethics. This will eventually render affected employees without income for their families, and lead to the kind of disorder and disaffection which the emergency regulations describe. It's very clearly aimed at one sector of society only."

Ms Miller, a former President of the Pacific Islands News Association, says the Pacific region cannot stand by in silence and watch as the people of Fiji are cut off from freely and independently produced news of their own nation.

Radio Fiji late on Saturday, April 11, reported that among the new 'Emergency Regulations' decreed by the President, "... Section 16 of the Regulations stipulates that the State has the authority to cease any broadcast or publication it believes could cause "disorder", give "undue demands" on security forces", "promote disaffection or public alarm" or "undermine the Government and the State of Fiji"'.

"The current and worsening situation is tragic and illustrates the need for us all to protect and cherish the right to free speech and freedom of information," she says.

"A government with some understanding of this basic human right would go about setting up and running its own media outlets to publish and broadcast what it likes and let the audiences have the final say."

The Pacific Freedom Forum, with active members among Pacific journalists, editors, producers, and journalism academics, will soon be launching an online petition for signature by any individual or group worldwide willing to express continuing strong solidarity with our colleagues in Fiji. The petition will be printed and presented to relevant Pacific leaders by national media reps on World Media Freedom Day, May 3.

ENDS

CONTACT:

PFF interim Chair

Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea

Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com

PFF interim co-Chair

Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa

Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com

The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.

We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.

In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.

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