Media freedom “naked”, M.P. tells Parliament

The “freedom of the media in Samoa is naked.” The Media Council Bill 2014, when it becomes law, will provide the much-needed clothes for such a freedom.

The point was made by the Member of Parliament for Fa’asaleleaga No. 4, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, in Parliament yesterday. He was speaking during the second day of debate over the Bill introduced and pushed by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.

According to the Bill, the Media Council exists to “promote professional journalism and integrity in the news media, while observing the fundamental rights under Part II of the Constitution.”

Expressing disappointment about previous reports in the media about him, Peseta said the media has exhausted him.

“They are enjoying a freedom where they are free to report on anything they like,” said the M.P. “But the situation with media freedom here is naked.

“So I applaud the Prime Minister for the clothes prepared for the (media) freedom. What that freedom is – is the freedom of truth.”

According to Peseta, he is one of the many people “the newspapers” are making money from.

He did not say which newspapers he was referring to.

“It hurt me and it affected my constituency,” he said. “It would’ve been okay if it was printed inside the other pages but my photo was on the front page.”

The M.P. said he supports the Bill so that the Council can regulate what is being reported and to ensure that “truth and nothing but the truth” is reported.

Tautua Whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, also welcomed the Bill, saying it will improve the standard of journalism in Samoa as well as the credibility of the media.

The M.P. for Faleata West, however, feels that the Media Council should be self-regulated by the media and established by the media.

“Perhaps the government has stepped in to set it up because after so many years, the media hasn’t come to an agreement on it,” he said.

“My concern is once the Council is financed by the government, it would affect its independence. Maybe the government can fund it to start with and once its on the go, the Association should fundraise for the long run.” Leala also called for a register of journalists as well as putting in place qualification requirements so that no one can just walk off the streets and become a journalist.

He said there should be a minimum requirement of experience for someone before they can become a registered journalist. Strict requirements should also be put in place for people wanting to start up newspapers.

“The truth is, that old man,” referring to Prime Minister Tuilaepa, “is tired of opening new newspapers only to find out four weeks later that they have folded.

“They should be registered to maintain their integrity.”

M.P for Alataua West, Lafaitele Patrick Lei’ataualesa, was all for the Bill.

Lafaitele supported Leala in saying that journalists should have standards in place to “avoid people who wonder off the streets and end up becoming journalists”.

He added that he is one of the many public figures to have been humiliated by what he called unfair reporting.

“Reports should be factual and balanced,” said Lafaitele. “There are always two sides to a story but many reports are biased.”

He recalled a recent trip to Queensland Australia where he came across a newspaper with his photo on the front page. He said the writer was “an old journalist” and he wrote that he was suspended from the H.R.P.P for a “inuga ava.”

“This could be interpreted in many ways and many people took it as if we were drinking beer,” he said. “Let’s remember that rocks will rot but words don’t”.

The M.P said many families and members of constituencies are involved and affected by reports in the media.

Tautua M.P, Levaopolo Talatonu Vaai, also supported the Bill. Although he was sympathetic that sometimes journalists are given the run around to get information, he said the onus is on the media organisation to get their facts right.

Speaking about a recent Court case where he was accused in, Levao said although the charges against him have since been dropped, the damage is already done.

Levao also suggested that journalists should be knowledgeable about the fields they write about. For example, he said for Parliament sessions, some M.Ps make sarcastic remarks and these are incorrectly interpreted by journalists.

“So there needs to be some expertise in journalists especially in specialised areas such as health so they can relay the message clearly and interpret the information accurately.”

Levao also raised a question about the Social Media.

“The government should find a way to control it because there are so many problems today because of the language on Facebook,” he said.

“Some of the language and allegations are malicious and this is another form of media.”

At this point, Speaker of the House, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao interjected.

He supported the point from Levao about journalists covering specialised areas. He said Parliament already has an upcoming programme to better prepare and inform the media about the different protocols and procedures of Parliament.

The views of Faleata East M.P, Aveau Niko Palamo, who acknowledged the media as a powerful tool, differed slightly from the rest.

The Tautua Party MP said he has raised many questions about the Bill from the beginning “but reading through it now, I have come to the understanding that the bill is to protect the media”.

But Prime Minister Tuilaepa disagreed, saying Aveau’s comments were incorrect.

“The bill sets out a council to regulate the press if the complainant feels that they have been ignored by the media.

“It’s clear under section 28, don’t just read part of it, read all of it.”

Afualo Dr. Wood Salele said he doesn’t want to look for faults in the media but he takes that the bill is to ensure that the truth is being reported.

M.P Aleipata Itupa I Lalo, Tafua Maluelue Tafua also shared his experience with the media.

Tafua said he has worked with the media in New Zealand in the past and they always informed him before they report anything.

The M.P advised that writers should be careful about what they pen because it affects people.

From what he has observed, some writers a good at writing a “mile long description of an inch long phrase”.

M.P for Faasaleleaga no.3 Tuileutu Alavaa Voi was in support of the media.

The M.P said some things that the media have reported are true.

He pointed out that without the media, an epidemic could wipe out lives without them knowing about it.

The last person to talk about the media bill was Opposition Leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II.

Palusalue said the media is not only vital to the government but also to the Opposition.

“We find refuge with them when we feel that our voice is ignored,” said Palusalue.

“The media has helped the Opposition and yet from comments made by respective members, they have made it sound like the media are bad people.

“Their duty is to keep the public informed and keep an eye on the work done. I thank the media and their work because it’s a reflection of democracy.

“It seems that when members are being reported in the media they get angry.”

He also questioned the Council being funded by the government.

“If the government funds it - it won’t be independent because of government influence,” he said. “When you fund an organization you have power over it.”

Nevertheless Palusalue said his views are only suggestions for the government but “the government will end up passing the Bill.”

In response, Prime Minister Tuilaepa accused Palusalue of seeking political points.

The Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama supported his leader.

Even if the Council is funded by the government, that does not mean it will not be independent.

“Just like you, your freedom isn’t removed even though the government is paying for your salary.”

Palusalue ignored Tuitama.

The debate about the Bill will continue today.