Kiribati journalist suspended for quoting opposition
A Radio Kiribati journalist was suspended for 20 days for “disobeying management orders” after airing a report with quotes from an Opposition Kiribati MP.
Pacific Islands news media struggle to stay afloat
It’s no secret that the Pacific Islands will face rising sea levels, coastal flooding, and deadly storms as a result of climate change, a fact reiterated in this week’s report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Unfortunately, few people realize that these island nations are also home to a disappearing press sector. While […]
Kiribati media freedom essential to adapting to climate change
Kiribati needs robust media freedoms if it is to adapt successfully to future challenges from climate change, says the Pacific Freedom Forum, in welcoming the return to publishing by the Kiribati Independent newspaper.
Newspaper closedown a blow for news choices, says PFF
Auckland-based Kiribati Independent publisher and editor Taberannang Korauaba will retain the online edition of the paper but has stopped print circulation in Kiribati while police follow up on complaints linking to the newspaper’s registration status.
Government encouraged to set end-date for newspaper ban
“The order to cease publishing of the Kiribati Independent as per the Newspapers Act would avoid perceptions of political interference by clarifying to all what the steps are, and how long it will all take,” says PFF.
Freedom of the Press 2007: Kiribati
Freedom of the Press 2007: Kiribati
Public radio journalist fired for refusing to disclose sources for report on corruption
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders has voiced its support for Taberannang Korauaba, who was wrongfully dismissed from Radio Kiribati Broadcasting, a radio offshoot of the public Broadcasting and Publications Authority, after exposing a case of corruption involving a senior official. “It is highly regrettable that the management of a public news media should fire a […]
Government pushes through tough newspaper laws
(PINA/IFEX) – On 8 October 2002, the Pacific Islands news agency PINA Nius Online reported that the Kiribati Parliament passed tough new newspaper registration laws, despite local and regional criticism. Government members used their majority to ensure the passing on second reading of the Newspaper Registration Amendment Bill 2002 on 7 October, the news agency […]
Kiribati legislation will enable government to close newspapers
(PINA/IFEX) – On 30 May 2002, the news service PINA Nius Online reported that the Kiribati government has begun moves that will enable newspapers in the country to be shut down if there are complaints about them. A bill carrying the name of Attorney-General Titabu Tabane is before Kiribati’s Parliament, the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, seeking […]
Government says AFP welcome, but not banned journalist
(PINA/IFEX) – On 6 October 2000, the Kiribati Government said that the news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) is welcome to send a journalist to cover this month’s summit of Pacific Islands, Australian and New Zealand leaders in Kiribati. But the government said its ban on AFP’s New Zealand/South Pacific correspondent, New Zealander Mike Field, entering […]
New Zealand minister appeals to Kiribati over banned journalist
(PINA/IFEX) – On 10 September 2000, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Phil Goff said he is trying to persuade Kiribati to lift its ban on New Zealand journalist Mike Field. Kiribati, which is hosting the annual meeting of the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum next month, banned Field from visiting Kiribati over reports he wrote last year […]
AFP journalist declared “undesirable”
(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to the president of Kiribati (an island in Micronesia), Teburoro Tito, RSF protested against the refusal to grant accreditation to Michael Field, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist based in New Zealand. The organisation asked the president to go back on his decision and to grant accreditation to the journalist so […]
Newspaper launched after radio station blocked by government
(PINA/IFEX) – On 5 May 2000, the company which has been blocked by the Kiribati government from launching Kiribati’s first non-government radio station began distributing a weekly newspaper. The newspaper, “Kiribati New Star”, becomes the central Pacific atoll nation’s second newspaper and competes with the government-owned weekly “Te Uekera”. It is published by a company […]
Two individuals fined over bid to start non-government radio
On 8 December 1999, the directors of the company trying to set up Kiribati’s first non-government radio station were each fined a total of $A35 (approx. US$23) in the Magistrates Court in Bairiki. They were former Kiribati President Ieremia Tabai, 49, and a former Radio Kiribati programme manager, Atiera Tetoa, 51, the directors of Newair […]