HONIARA: The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has this week expressed concern over a media ban imposed by the Vanuatu Parliament during the country’s meeting which has resulted in a change of political leadership earlier this month.
MASI president George Herming said it was sad that some political leaders did not understand the important role that media played in democratic societies in the region.
He said any action or decision on the part of leaders that resulted in banning journalists from reporting on democratic institutions such as parliaments or executive governments amounted to interference on media freedom.
Herming said leaders must take into account that blocking the media meant interfering with peoples’ right to know what is going on within democratic institutions in any country.
He added that people, especially tax payers in any country, were entitled to know the actions and decisions of their governments and the media must be given access to accurate information before disseminating to the public.
The MASI president called for more understanding on the part of leaders to comprehend and respect the media in the region. - Solomon Star/Pacific Media Watch
Pacific Media Watch
