Tonga Broadcasting

Nanise Fifita was the Tonga Broadcasting Commission's general manager before she was controversially sacked in May.

The move came after prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva called the TBC an enemy of government, after numerous clashes with its staff.

A judicial review into Ms Fifita's sacking was dismissed on a technicality.

Last week, she spoke at the National Dialogue on Democracy in Nuku'alofa on the role of the media in political development.

Nanise Fifita was dismissed at the beginning of May despite her contract having a right of renewal clause.

RNZI reports the Public Enterprise Minister Poasi Tei and the TBC are now being taken to court.

Ms Fifita's lawyer, William Edwards, said there was no basis for terminating her contract.

"There is no allegation of misconduct, there is no allegation of misfeasance in office."

This month the government forced the public broadcaster's chair to resign and asked the board to sack the general manager.

RNZI reports the Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva had earlier complained the broadcaster did not support government enough and was unfairly critical.

However, the president of the Public Media Alliance, Paul Thompson, said a public service broadcaster was all about protecting the interests of citizens and acting independently of the state and the government.

RNZI reports in October last year the broadcasting minister Poasi Tei, had removed Dowager Lady Fielakepa and Dowager Lady Fusitu'a from the TBC board.

Prime minister, Akilisi Pohiva, at the time said it was part of a government reform strategy recommended by the World Bank.