The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) expresses deep concern over the Government of Samoa’s decision to ban the Samoa Observer, one of the country’s longest-serving independent newspapers.
This action represents a serious threat to media freedom, public access to information, and democratic accountability in Samoa and the wider Pacific region.
PINA urges the Government of Samoa to immediately reverse the ban and uphold its commitment to open dialogue and transparent governance.
PINA notes that Samoa already has a legally mandated and independent mechanism to address concerns about media accuracy, fairness, or ethical conduct.
Under the Media Council Act 2015, Samoa’s Media Council is empowered to:
• Receive and hear complaints from the public or government
•Determine whether a media outlet has breached the Code of Practice
•Appoint a small investigation committee to examine complaints
•Provide redress where reporting is found to be harmful or inaccurate
The Act clearly identifies the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) as the associated body that helped establish this mechanism to ensure openness, fairness, and accountability in media–public relations. Although the Council faces capacity challenges, it is the legitimate and lawful avenue for managing media complaints in Samoa—not punitive bans.
PINA emphasises that disagreements with media reporting are best resolved through:
•The Media Council’s complaint processes
•Constructive engagement with media organisations
•Greater support for ethical journalism and professional standards
Banning a newspaper is disproportionate, unnecessary, and undermines press freedom. It sets a troubling precedent for the region and risks silencing independent voices essential to accountable governance.
PINA Calls on the Government of Samoa to:
1.Lift the temporary ban on the Samoa Observer immediately.
2.Refer any concerns through the Media Council as required under the Media Council Act 2015.
3.Engage constructively with JAWS and the Samoa media sector.
4.Uphold Samoa’s democratic values and its commitment to a free and independent press.
PINA stands ready to support dialogue, mediation, and capacity-building to strengthen constructive relations between media and government in Samoa and across the Pacific.
