A leaked 19 page Government Media Protocol obtained and verified by the Samoa Observer outlines sweeping new restrictions on how journalists may question the country’s leaders. The document begins with a requirement that all media submit their questions a full day before the Prime Minister’s weekly press conferences, and includes proposed background checks on the “political alignment” of reporters.

The draft says the media must provide “issues and questions 24 hours prior,” and journalists would only be permitted to ask from the approved list during the press briefing. Any additional or follow-up questions could be asked only if the Prime Minister allows it, giving the Government near-total control over the scope of questioning.

The document then outlines strict rules on who is allowed into government media events. It says all journalists must be registered through JAWS before they can attend press conferences, and the Press and Communications Division will decide who receives access. The draft adds that the division “reserves the right to deny access” and may issue verbal warnings, written warnings or bans for what it describes as non-compliance.

The protocol also says officials will choose which outlets and reporters will be given the opportunity to ask questions during press conferences, and they may intervene if a journalist raises what is considered off-topic or “speculative.”

International media would face an extra layer of scrutiny. The leaked draft allows the Government to carry out detailed background checks on foreign journalists, including looking at their reputation, past reporting and even “political alignment.” However, the document does not define what is considered a foreign journalist.

The document also confirms that the Government intends to keep copies of exclusive interviews with the Prime Minister or cabinet ministers. It says the Government “reserves the right to keep a copy of the interview for release should any inaccuracies arise,” effectively allowing the state to publish its own version of the interview if it disputes how it is reported.

All media enquiries would be funnelled through a single government division, which would determine whether a response will be provided and in what form. The protocol further outlines a weekly monitoring system to track media reports and flag items it considers misinformation, disinformation or miscommunication.

The draft says its purpose is to “support the Prime Minister, Cabinet and CEOs through media engagements” and to promote what it describes as accurate, timely and transparent communication of official information to the public. 

The Samoa Observer understands the draft is now in its third version.