PINA and FMA express deep concern over the Government of Samoa’s decision to ban the Samoa Observer

The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) and Fijian Media Association (FMA) have expressed deep concern over the Government of Samoa’s decision to ban the Samoa Observer, one of the country’s longest-serving independent newspapers.

PINA says 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.

The Association 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 and provide redress where reporting is found to be harmful or inaccurate. PINA says 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.

They say banning a newspaper is disproportionate, unnecessary, and undermines press freedom.

PINA calls on the Government of Samoa to lift the temporary ban on the Samoa Observer immediately, refer any concerns through the Media Council as required under the Media Council Act 2015, engage constructively with JAWS and the Samoa media sector, and uphold Samoa’s democratic values and its commitment to a free and independent press.

Meanwhile the Fiji Media Association stands in strong support with the Samoa Observer newspaper, following the newspaper’s editorial titled “The PM’s wish and our promise.”

In that editorial, the Samoa Observer’s editorial board highlights current attempts by the Prime Minister of Samoa to block its journalists from attending official press conferences, and ban them from interviewing him and cabinet ministers.

FMA General Secretary Stanley Simpson says any effort to silence or sideline an independent news outlet undermines the foundations of democracy. He says Pacific media organisations must stand together when basic press freedoms are challenged.