31 Jul 2012

Law Reform Commission recommends media council be set up in Samoa

1:03 pm on 31 July 2012

The Law Reform Commission in Samoa has released a report recommending media organisations set up a council to regulate the industry.

The Commission says the council would set standards for fairness, accuracy and balance in the news media and provide education for journalists.

Its Executive Director, Leilani Tuala-Warren, says it has also recommended the government repeal legislation requiring journalists to reveal their sources in court.

"They must have that ability to report the truth without fear and without having to compromise their sources... They've had an issue with this for many many years and we thought even though it was outside of our terms of reference it was important that we do bring it up and that we do recommend that it be taken away."

Leilani Tuala-Warren says she is confident the government will adopt the recommendations and the council should be fully up and running within two years.