Survey shows support for media ombudsman

Survey lead author Dr Ian Weber, left, with members of the United Nations Development Programme, and the University of the South Pacific, November 2013. Photo / USP

PFF, Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS Tuesday, 9th December 2014 -

Recommendations from a regional survey to proceed with a regional media ombudsman are being backed by the Pacific Freedom Forum.
"PFF welcomes the release of the survey," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.
"This shows that a majority of media in the survey support the idea of greater media self-regulation."
The survey was called for by the Pacific Freedom Forum after raising the idea of a Pacific Media Ombudsman in May last year.
The survey was funded by two United Nations organisations and led by Dr Ian Weber, a former journalism lecturer at the University of the South Pacific.
PFF co-Chair Monica Miller says the survey release is an opportune time to push for greater professionalism and formal media accountability systems.
"News media no longer need to act as the lone guardian of freedoms of speech," she says.
"With widespread use of the internet, we can join other professions in regulating our own affairs, including handling complaints outside court systems", says Miller.
The 46 page survey recommends that further input be sought from all 14 countries included in the report as a first step towards greater self-regulation.
Funding and support came from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, and the United Nations Development Programme.
LINKS
2014: Optimal conditions for Effective Regional Media Self-Regulation in the Pacific Islands (survey)http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/42463193
2013: Pacific Freedom Forum say there is good support for a Pacific Media Ombudsman http://www.pacmas.org/blog-post/pacific-freedom-forum-say-there-is-good-support-for-a-pacific-media-ombudsman/

Pacific media ombudsman aimed at instilling confidence
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2554348/pacific-media-ombudsman-aimed-at-instilling-confidence

 

Ombudsman bid for Pacific media credibility, says advocatehttp://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/region-ombudsman-role-seeks-pacific-media-credibility-says-advocate-8298

Pacific Media organisations agree to a Pacific Media Ombudsman http://www.pacmas.org/blog-post/pacific-media-organisations-agree-to-a-pacific-media-ombudsman/

Pacific Media ombudsman advances regional accountabilityhttp://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2013/05/pacific-media-ombudsman-advances.html

CONTACTS
PFF CHAIR | Titi Gabi | PNGEdge.com | Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, PNG | Mob: +675 70686875 |titi.gabipng@gmail.com
PFF CO-CHAIR | Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | Pago Pago, America Samoa | Mob: +684 258 4197 | Office: +684 633 7793 |monica@southseasbroadcasting.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum is 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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