(19th June 2020); This press statement is made in response to comments on TV Stations News Items, and newspaper articles published by Media Outlets.
The Parliament of Samoa recognizes the importance of fair and factual reporting of Parliamentary proceedings. However, the House Rules set forth by Hon Speaker facilitates media access and reporting of parliamentary debates, and to ensure that the Maota Fono Chamber as a working environment for Members and Parliamentary Officials, is maintained and respected.
With respect to Members of the Media, we have no intention of banning Representatives of the Media from entering the Chamber. Our Media Guidelines clearly indicates :-
• Reporters and Journalists are ALLOWED to be present at the Media Gallery for note-taking only;
• Taking photographs either by camera, mobile phone or any other device is strictly prohibited;
• All camera still photos will be made available to the media at the conclusion of every sitting, either by electronic transfer (usage of individual memory card/USB-drive) or download from the Parliament of Samoa Facebook page;
• All media outlets may have access to Parliaments’ live feed by plugging into its system through portals provided outside of the Maota Fono;
• Parliament’s I.T Unit provides a broadcast service for its facebook page in which media representatives are also welcome to use.
The new Maota Fono is fully equipped with modern recording system which provides Live coverage of Proceedings and Live Radio Broadcast on 2AP for the public.
It is very important to note that similar practice/guidelines is observed in other Pacific Parliaments, including the New Zealand House of Representatives and other Commonwealth Jurisdictions.
To conclude, Media Guidelines issued by the Office of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly are mandated by the Legislative Powers and Privileges Ordinance, 1960 and Standing Order of Parliament 2016.
