(Freedom House/IFEX) – The Falkland Islands government has been harassing the independent Falkland Islands News (FIN) Network, reports Juanita L. Brock, bureau chief of the FIN Network, which includes the “Teaberry Express” and “Financial Information & News”. According to Brock, the government bought a competing newspaper, the “Penguin News”, sold advertising for it, distributed it […]
(Freedom House/IFEX) – The Falkland Islands government has been
harassing the independent Falkland Islands News (FIN) Network,
reports Juanita L. Brock, bureau chief of the FIN Network, which
includes the “Teaberry Express” and “Financial Information &
News”. According to Brock, the government bought a competing
newspaper, the “Penguin News”, sold advertising for it,
distributed it on the streets, and when it ran a deficit,
provided a government subsidy to keep the paper afloat.
Meanwhile, no subsidy is given to the independent FIN Network.
Additionally, reports Brock, when the government is criticized by
the FIN Network, its newsprint costs and freight charges are
increased. It would seem that the government permits the FIN
Network to function, but only at a poverty level, in order to
claim that an independent press exists.
Brock adds that the government also sent its Broadcasting Officer
to Montevideo, Uruguay to undermine the FIN Network’s
relationship with its client there. After many such negative
calls over two years, the client “switched loyalties” to the
government entity.
The Falkland Islands government has autonomous power over
domestic issues on the islands.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the director of the Commonwealth Press Union:
and the CPU the harassment of the independent Falkland Islands
News Network by the Falkland Islands government, and to take
appropriate action
Appeals To
Mark Robinson
Director
Commonwealth Press Union
London, England
Fax: +44 171 583 6868
e-mail: [email protected]
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
