Samoa's Proposed Media Rules Spark "Transparency" Fears

Journalists in Samoa are raising alarms over a new government draft media protocol. They warn it could severely limit press freedom and transparency. The proposed rules would require all media inquiries to government ministries to go through a single communications unit. Journalists argue this creates a bottleneck, slowing down or even preventing access to information. A major concern is a rule requiring officials to report any contact with journalists to this central unit. Media advocates say this will make sources afraid to speak openly. “It seems that the government is shutting down all avenues to remain transparent,” said one journalist. “Why does a government do that when there is nothing to hide?” The government states the protocol aims to ensure "accurate and consistent" official information. It says the rules are still a draft and open to consultation. Local and international media watchdogs are now examining the proposal. They say it could undermine Samoa's democratic processes if enacted in its current form.