The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) has called for stronger protections for press freedom, warning that misinformation, legal pressures and financial struggles are threatening the region’s media landscape.
In a statement for World Press Freedom Day 2026, PINA President Kalafi Moala said a free and independent media remains essential to peace, development and accountability.
“Let me be clear—there can be no lasting peace without truth. And there can be no truth without a free and independent media,” he said.
Mr Moala said the Pacific continues to face both “warning signs and encouraging progress,” noting legal pressures on media organisations in some countries.
“In Samoa, the ongoing pressures and legal challenges… serve as a reminder that even long-established media institutions remain vulnerable,” he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged positive engagement in Papua New Guinea, where dialogue between government and media bodies is improving.
“This kind of engagement shows that partnership—not confrontation—is the pathway forward,” he said.
In Fiji, Mr Moala recognised progress toward a more open media environment but cautioned that vigilance remains necessary.
“We also note that vigilance is still required to ensure reforms are sustained, that media independence is protected, and that journalists can operate without fear or undue influence,” he said.
Beyond policy challenges, Mr Moala highlighted the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation across digital platforms.
“In small island states… the impact can be immediate and damaging, undermining public trust, fueling division, and threatening social cohesion,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the financial sustainability of media organisations, warning that weakened media institutions cannot effectively serve the public.
“Without sustainable, independent media, press freedom itself is at risk,” he said.
Mr Moala stressed that press freedom should not be seen as a threat to governments.
“Press freedom is not a threat to governments, it is a safeguard for our democracies. It is how citizens participate. It is how leaders are held accountable. And it is how trust is built,” he said.
PINA is urging governments across the region to move beyond statements and take concrete action, including reforming restrictive laws, ensuring journalist safety, supporting media sustainability and engaging openly with the media.
He also called on journalists to uphold high ethical standards.
“Credibility is our greatest asset. Without it, we weaken the very freedoms we seek to defend,” he said.
Mr Moala concluded with a strong message on the link between truth and peace.
“A peaceful Pacific cannot be built on silence. It must be built on truth. And truth depends on a free and fearless media.”
