The Journalists Association of (Western) Samoa (JAWS) is Samoa's national media association. It was founded in 1991[1] and is led by Lagi Keresoma.[2]
JAWS is an independent body made up of local journalists working in the print, online, television and radio media. It promotes the role of a free media in Samoan society, and protects the rights of journalists in Samoa. JAWS is a legally registered incorporated society with the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour. JAWS issues statements regularly in regard to freedom of the press in Samoa.
In 2008 the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) issued one statement in support of a complaint made by JAWS. The complaint was in regard to the censorship of the media by the office of the Ombudsman. IFJ issued a support statement calling for the lifting of the ban on the Samoan media. In 2009 in response to a statement by JAWS, the IFJ issued another statement supporting the organisation in discouraging the harassment of journalists at the Samoan courts.
In 2011 the body cut ties with the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) after the Fiji-based body had stopped functioning in the wake of the 2006 Fijian coup d'état.[3]
In 2013 JAWS was de-registered as an incorporated society after failing to complete its paperwork.[1]
In 2018 JAWS opposed the Samoan governments reintroduction of criminal libel.[4] In 2019 it opposed a ban on filming at parliament[5] and plans by the Samoan government to criminalise leaking.[6] In June 2020 it expressed surprise at discovering that the new Legislative Assembly of Samoa building did not include space for a press gallery.[7][8]
In May 2021 it elected Lagi Keresoma as its first woman president.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b "SAMOA: Journalism association shuts down amid new moves to control media". Pacific Media Centre. 4 September 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ a b Tina Mata'afa-Tufele (2 May 2021). "J.A.W.S. elects first woman president". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "Samoa Journalists Association cuts ties as PINA not functioning". RNZ. 23 December 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "Rising opposition to Samoa's libel law". RNZ. 28 August 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "Samoa journos unhappy over new camera rules at parliament". RNZ. 19 March 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "Samoa media group calls for rethink of proposed law to criminalize govt. leakers". Samoa News. 9 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "No press gallery at Samoa's new parliament a surprise to media body". RNZ. 1 June 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson (5 June 2020). "No entry: Samoa's new parliament has no place for the press". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 July 2021.