PACIFIC FREEDOM FORUM World Press Freedom Day 2026 Statement May 4, 2026- On World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) joins journalists, editors and media advocates across the world in observing UNESCO’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Peace.” UNESCO has framed this year’s observance as a critical moment to reaffirm freedom of […]
Tag: Pacific Freedom Forum
Posted inOpinion
Building a stronger voice for Pacific transparency – PFF tribute, Dan McGarry
HONIARA/PORT VILA, 27 MARCH 2026 (PFF)— The global media freedom community has lost another leader with the passing of Dan McGarry this week. His loss is especially felt amongst Pacific colleagues, with whom he trained, mentored and served. A Canadian-born journalist who made the Pacific his home, Dan spent more than two decades championing independent […]
Posted inOpinion
Kiribati urged to ease media restrictions, but journos must stick to the rules- PFF
October 29, 2019–Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS–Troubles for an Australian television crew stopped from filming in Kiribati this week have shown up a clash between news practice and sovereign law says regional media watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF. It’s the second time in recent years a foreign news crew visiting Kiribati has made global headlines and […]
Posted inPacific News
PFF welcomes PNG, Kiribati leaders reaching out to media
Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS–Regional article 19 media watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF, has lauded recent efforts by Pacific leaders to engage more fully with journalists. This month in Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister James Marape engaged in frank sharing, dialogue and information exchange with newsroom journalists and practitioners. At the recently ended UN Climate Summit in New York City, […]
Posted inTop Stories
Drop criminal charges against critic – Pacific Freedom Forum
Malele Paulo/ Photo Courtesy of Pacific Freedom Forum Rarotonga, Cook Islands -Government in Samoa should not waste taxpayers money on arresting and prosecuting a public critic, says PFF, the Pacific Freedom Forum. “Focus on fighting corruption, not freedom of speech,” says PFF Chair Bernadette Carreon of Palau, reminding Samoa of its commitment to article 19 […]
Posted inTop Stories
Digital opportunity, challenges loom for Pacific media in 2019: PFF Chair
January 1 2019, Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS — Strong newsrooms, free speech and access to public information continue to affirm the importance of digital spaces for keeping Pacific people informed towards 2020. In offline spaces, the key ongoing threat for Pacific journalists will continue to be internal. Self -censorship and gender bias will continue to impact […]