Media self-censorship still present in Pacific – RSF
Quoting Radio New Zealand – 23 April 2019
“Democracies across Asia and the Pacific are struggling to resist disinformation and protect press freedoms, according to a new report.
“Reporters Without Borders, on Thursday, released its 2019 index, showing an increase in self-censorship of journalists in parts of the Pacific last year.
“Although Pacific Island countries generally rose in press freedom rankings, Reporters Without Borders was also concerned about an absence of editorial independence.
“In Papua New Guinea, it said journalists faced intimidation, direct threats, censorship, prosecution and bribery attempts.
“The group said self-censorship was also on the rise in Tonga, where politicians have sued media outlets and keeps tight controls over state media.
“In Solomon Islands, similar defamation laws were criticised by RSF as intimidating journalists and encouraging media self-censorship
“It also praised public broadcaster SIBC as playing a "vital role in keeping the population informed by radio" in a country with low literacy rates.”
Copyright © 2019, Radio New Zealand
