Articles by Pacific Islands News Association (PINA)
Bid to jail “Samoa Observer” publisher and editor
(PINA/IFEX) – Samoan government-owned Polynesian Airlines is asking the Samoa Supreme Court to jail “Samoa Observer” publisher Savea Sano Malifa and editor Aumuagaolo Ropeti Ale for contempt of court. The airline’s application for a writ to arrest Malifa and Ale has been set down for hearing on 8 March 1999 (local time). It seeks to […]
We didn’t breach licence, says Fiji TV chief after warning
(PINA/IFEX) – On 3 March 1999, Fiji Television reassured viewers and shareholders that it has not breached the terms of its licence by broadcasting an interview with the country’s retiring army commander. Chief executive Peter Wilson issued a statement following comments by Attorney-General Ratu Etuate Tavai that Fiji Television could lose its exclusive licence to […]
Samoa loses independent local radio news
(PINA/IFEX) – Samoa’s only radio station carrying independent local news has dismissed its two journalists and ended its local news bulletins. Radio Polynesia 98FM had been the only broadcast media to regularly carry news and views of parliamentary Opposition leader Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi. Tuiatua is normally banned from the government-controlled national radio, 2AP, and […]
Independent radio news station closes
(PINA/IFEX) – Samoa’s only radio station carrying independent local news has dismissed its two journalists and ended its local news bulletins. Radio Polynesia 98FM had been the only broadcast media to regularly carry news and views of parliamentary Opposition leader Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi. Tuiatua is normally banned from the government-controlled national radio, 2AP, and […]
Fiji TV asked to explain interview
(PINA/IFEX) – Fears of the Fiji Islands governmentâs attempts to influence the news media before the May general elections have grown following a please-explain request to Fiji Television. According to “The Fiji Times” of 3 March 1999 (local time), the Prime Minister’s Office has asked the Ministry of Information to seek clarification from Fiji Television […]
“Samoa Observer” to appeal judge’s continuing restraint order
(PINA/IFEX) – A Samoan judge has refused to lift his injunction preventing the “Samoa Observer” newspaper from publishing leaked details of allowances and advances paid to senior staff of the Samoan-government owned Polynesian Airlines (PAL). In a lengthy decision delivered in the Supreme Court in Apia on 24 February 1999, Justice Andrew Wilson upheld his […]
Judge considers “Samoa Observer” decision
(PINA/IFEX) – On 19 February 1999, a Samoa Supreme Court judge reserved his decision on the “Samoa Observer” application to lift an injunction preventing publication of a report about Samoan Government-owned Polynesian Airlines. After hearing submissions, Justice Andrew Bray Cameron Wilson said he would give his decision on 24 February. **Updates IFEX alert of 17 […]
Court injunction stops “Samoa Observer”
(PINA/IFEX) – An injunction issued by the Samoa Supreme Court prevented distribution of the 16 February 1999 edition of the daily newspaper “Samoa Observer”. The injunction was sought by the Samoan Government-owned Polynesian Airlines and related to a leaked list of advances and allowances to senior airline staff the “Samoa Observer” was publishing in this […]