Every year on 3 May, the world, especially the media, unite to mark World Press Freedom Day and this year we are doing the same. We honour the work done by the brave journalists who have stood in the face of adversity and tyranny to bring the truth to people.

This year’s theme is "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis".

The climate and biodiversity crisis are affecting the environment and ecosystems. They are impacting the lives of billions of people around the world. This includes the lives in Samoa, who are witnessing the impact of climate change daily

Be it the people of Apolima, Manono, those living on the coast facing tidal surges regularly, or those witnessing a decline in the catch from the sea.

Their stories of upheaval and loss deserve to be known and shared. They are not always pretty to watch. They can even be disturbing. But it's only by knowing that action is possible. Exposing the crisis is the first step to solving it.

That's why the role of journalists is crucial. It is through their work, courage, and perseverance that we know what is happening across our nation. How else will you know that there is no abuse of power or funds by the people who took an oath to do otherwise?

On this World Press Freedom Day, let’s recognise and celebrate the work of journalists in helping us shape a better future.

Samoa Observer’s journalists like other journalists around the world in their quest for truth face legal threats, online threats, government threats, and even physical intimidation. Why do we continue to bring this information to you? Because we want the people of this country to be well-informed.

A sad reminder of such intimidation is when a journalist was locked against her will by the minister responsible for the media. During this time in his office, he asked her why she worked in this profession for a free media company and offered her a job with the government media. This was when Samoa Observer pursued the truth behind the Kite Runner saga.

We do our best to keep the people of this country informed whether we are appreciated for it or not. Free, independent media allow the public to make informed decisions, hold leaders accountable, and hear a diversity of opinions — all free of government influence.

Freedom of the press states that expression and communication through published media – like in print and video – is a right. Freedom of the press is codified in multiple documents that set international standards.

A government should not interfere with this freedom or censor media critical of state power. For years, freedom of the press has been an essential part of democracy. In a democracy, people have the right to choose their government either directly or by electing representatives. Why is freedom of the press so important for democracy to thrive? What are the threats to this freedom?

A healthy democracy has guiding principles like citizen rule, fair and free elections, the protection of individual rights, and cooperation.

A free press fights for the truth. Freedom of the press matters because a free press uncovers the truth. There are many issues – often very complicated ones – that journalists are trained to analyze and explain. Armed with skills like research and critical thinking, the best journalists know what questions to ask, what leads to pursue, and how to fact-check. Fact-checking is a vital element of a free press. If the press is not able to fact-check safely and effectively, the truth remains buried.

A free press holds power accountable. Many entities can benefit from the truth staying hidden, including governments. One of the free press’ main missions is to serve as a watchdog on power. The press is the bridge between the people and powerful entities. If the press is not free but instead beholden to power, it simply serves as an extension of that power.

Without freedom of the press, journalists who try to tell the truth when it threatens the state are not protected by the law. This makes censorship and suppression inevitable. Even if a state made it a goal to be more truthful and transparent, there’s always an agenda they would need to serve. In the case of corruption and human rights violations, a free press is essential to exposing abuses of power.

A free press informs voters and strengthens democracy. Informed voting is the third reason why freedom of the press is so important. Democracies only thrive when voters are as informed as possible. Being informed ensures people understand the issues at hand and what policies and politicians best represent them.

The press is the body that informs by analyzing information, encouraging discussion, and fact-checking. The freer the press, the better-informed voters can be. Without this freedom, voters would be at the mercy of politicians and special interest groups that want to win elections and promote specific legislation. It would be very difficult and time-consuming for voters to do all their work on their own. A strong media makes the process less complicated and offers valuable insight.

If you have not realised it yet, then let us remind you again – we are your voice and by stifling the media, it is your voice and your freedom of speech, your right that is being denied.