Regional media bodies have condemned the ban on the Samoa Observer from the prime minister’s press conferences and say such actions undermine democracy.

The Samoa Alliance of Media Practitioners for Development, in a statement, said Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s ban on the Samoa Observer represents a serious violation of press freedom and undermines the essential role of the media as the fourth estate in any functioning democracy.

The Fiji Media Association (FMA) General Secretary Stanley Simpson said any effort to silence or sideline an independent news outlet undermines the foundations of democracy.

SAMPOD said a vibrant and independent press is central to democratic governance.

“When a government restricts access to a national newspaper because it is dissatisfied with coverage, it directly weakens this safeguard and erodes public trust,” said SAMPOD in a statement.

“International human rights norms clearly affirm that the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information is a fundamental right. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and global press freedom frameworks underline that journalists and media outlets must be free to operate without censorship, interference, or retaliation.

“Government decisions that limit access to information violate these standards and carry long-term consequences for democratic institutions.”

The exclusion of the Samoa Observer shows a lack of transparency, is a suppression of pluralism, a threat to accountability and sets a dangerous precedent.

SAMPOD has called on the government to reverse the ban and restore full and equal access to all bona fide media outlets, reaffirm its commitment to press freedom in line with international democratic standards, work collaboratively with media associations and civil society to establish clear, fair, and transparent protocols for press access and recognise that a free, independent, and pluralistic media environment supports national development, strengthens democracy, and benefits all citizens.

SAMPOD said it remained committed to supporting a strong and independent media sector in Samoa.

Meanwhile, Simpson said Pacific media organisations must stand together when basic press freedoms are challenged.

Simpson said media freedom must be protected at all times and that political leaders have a responsibility to respect the role of journalists, even when reporting is uncomfortable.  He noted that a strong democracy needs the media to inform the public, hold the powerful accountable, ask difficult questions, and bring forward stories that matter.

The FMA also raises broad concerns that attempts anywhere in the region to interfere with media independence send a dangerous signal. Simpson warned that restricting the press or punishing journalists for doing their job pushes societies toward less transparency and weaker democratic systems.

The FMA noted that Fiji has gone through unfortunate periods of media restrictions that hampered free speech and created a stifling, undemocratic environment.

“The Fiji Media Association expresses full solidarity with the Samoa Observer and with all journalists who face political pressure. The FMA stands firmly behind the Samoa Observer’s right to report freely without fear, favour, or interference,” said Simpson.

“The Association urges the Samoan Government — and all governments in the Pacific — to respect and uphold press freedom, engage openly with journalists, and recognise that a strong and independent media is a cornerstone of every healthy democracy.”