Pacific Media Summit

Speaking at the opening of the 5th Pacific Media Summit in Nuku’alofa Tuesday, Pohiva said political opponents were behind the move which was supported by some members of the media.

“I have no problem with that,” Pohiva said.

“It is all part and parcel of democracy in the kingdom.”

Despite a report of Tonga’s international press freedom ranking with Reporters Without Borders dropping by two places, Pohiva maintains the government is committed to the freedom of the media even in a digitised world.

The biennial meet is scheduled to be opened by Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva at the Kalofiama Epworth Hall.

The theme for the summit is ‘Empowering the Media for Digital Challenges.”

The future of journalism is being challenged due to new developments like multi-media journalism, fake news and social media.

Discussions will focus on the challenges these pose to Pacific media practitioners.

Other issues will cover reporting gender-based violence and the role of the media in following the work of integrity agencies like the Auditor General’s Office.    

There were some concerns about whether the regional meeting would go ahead in Nuku’alofa, after the main island of Tongatapu and Eua island were devastated by Cyclone Gita last month.

Acting Chief Executive of Tonga’s Ministry of Communications, Dr Tevita Tukunga has written to Pacific Islands News Association to say that the media summit will go ahead from 7-11 May, 2018.

About 150 delegates are expected to participate in the week-long event.

The theme of this year’s biennial gathering is “Empowering the Media for Digital Challenges.”