By: Bernadette Carreon
Palau media has joined the rest of the Pacific region in celebrating World Press Freedom Day, emphasizing the challenges it faces regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on press freedom and media.
Despite obstacles such as legal battles and limited resources, the media continues to underscore the importance of press freedom.
“The Palau Media Council celebrates the transformative role of AI in journalism, particularly concerning Palau’s enhanced digital connectivity. AI revolutionizes journalism by improving efficiency and productivity, especially in small newsrooms. It is important to note, however, that AI is a tool and not a replacement. Its true power lies in empowering local voices to reach broader audiences while safeguarding the integrity of Palauans telling their own stories and narratives,” the statement released on May 4 stated.
The media also highlighted its many accomplishments in recent years, including strengthening local reporting capacity through journalism training and collaborating to host a regional media conference last year. However, these efforts have been hindered by a lawsuit “intended to suppress independent reporting, posing a serious threat to press freedom. This legal action risks creating a chilling effect, discouraging journalists from covering sensitive or critical issues.”
Nevertheless, the media council will continue its work and vows to stand in solidarity with its Pacific counterparts.
Journalists are more essential than ever due to rising misinformation and declining public trust. They hold those in power accountable, inform the public, and support a free society.”
World Press Freedom Day in the Pacific
The President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Kalafi Moala, stated that AI should not weaken media freedom, independence, or diversity in our region.
“Instead, we must ensure that new technologies serve our people, respect our voices, and support the role of journalism in democracy and development.”
Moala called for stronger regional collaboration to understand and manage the impact of AI.
“We urge governments, tech companies, and development partners to support Pacific media in building digital skills, protecting press freedom, and ensuring fair use of our content.”
The chair of the Pacific media watchdog Pacific Freedom Forum, Robert Iroga, praised Pacific journalists for their bravery in reporting.
“In this brave new world, we need brave journalists, brave governments, and brave friends of the media. We ask for continued legal support from our global and Pacific supporters to help fight against defamation and gagging laws designed to undermine underfunded news outlets,” Iroga said in a statement released on May 3.
He also called on other donors and governments to step in and fill the funding gaps caused by the U.S. so that “media may assist with national and regional responses to AI and its impacts on our Pacific world.”