The Pacific Islands Media Freedom Index 2023 was launched today at the 7th PINA Media Summit in Niue by the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF). The index, the first of its kind, ranks the state of media freedom across 14 Pacific Island nations, reflecting the experiences of 73 journalists in the region.
“The results are sobering,” said Lisa Leilani Williams, founding coordinator of the Pacific Freedom Forum which was established in 2008. “Talanoa and talking can bring issues to the collective table, but without measurement or tracking indicators, progress and solutions are difficult to implement,” she added.
Tonga was ranked 6th on the index, following Palau (1st), Samoa (4th) and Fiji (5th) but ahead of Vanuatu (7th) and Papua New Guinea (12). Key challenges for Tonga include economic pressures, such as advertising costs and corruption. Social and cultural issues, including public trust and self-censorship, also affect the media landscape.
Robert Luke Iroga, PFF chairperson and PINA vice president, called the report a “significant achievement” for Pacific Island journalists, adding, “The inauguration of the Pacific Islands Media Freedom Index signifies the importance of capturing the voices of Pacific Islanders regarding media freedom.”
The survey respondents also raised concerns about the growing impact of social media, disinformation, fake news, and artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism, according to Williams. They emphasized the urgent need for greater awareness of media freedom in the face of these challenges. As digital tools evolve rapidly, the ability to tell stories and hold those in power accountable is being tested. The issue of safeguarding media freedom amidst new and emerging threats is one of the key themes highlighted by the index.
