Tongan PM wants public broadcaster closed for not supporting his government

Tonga's Prime Minister, Akilisi Pohiva, says he wants to close down the country's public broadcaster for not being supportive of his government.

The Tonga Broadcasting Commission would be either closed down or sold off under legislation the Prime Minister says he intends to introduce.

Mr Pohiva has had very public differences with the TBC and its journalists in the past, calling for reporter Viola Ulakai to be sacked for asking tough questions of him at a press conference.

Tongan publisher Kalafi Moala says the Prime Minister appears to have decided to do something about his concerns, but he may not have much support from the rest of cabinet.

Moala told Pacific Beat the Prime Minister is thinking of bringing a legislation that would do away with Tonga Broadcasting Commission.

He says there has always been tension between PM Pohiva and TBC.

Moala adds there would be public uproar against the plan.