By NIKO RATUMAIMURI
WORLD Press Freedom Day is not just a celebration of the vital role journalism plays—it is also a moment to reflect on the pressures facing the profession and governments’ responsibility to protect it.
This was one of the key messages delivered by two guest speakers at The University of the South Pacific (USP) Journalism Programme’s 2025 World Press Freedom Day celebrations on Monday: the Regional Representative for the Pacific, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Heike Alefsen and the Fiji Media Association general secretary, Stanley Simpson.
In her address to journalism students and other attendees, chief guest Ms Alefsen emphasized that press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy, a human right, and essential for sustainable development and the rule of law.
“Media freedom is a prerequisite for inclusive, rights-respecting societies,” Ms Alefsen said, warning of rising threats such as censorship, harassment, and surveillance of journalists—especially with the spread of AI tools used to manipulate information and monitor media workers.
AI and human rights
She stressed that AI must serve human rights—not undermine them—and that it must be used transparently, accountably, and in accordance with international human rights law.
“Some political actors exploit AI to spread disinformation and manipulate narratives for personal or political gain,” she said.
She added that these risks are compounded by the fact that a handful of powerful corporations and individuals now control much of the AI infrastructure and influence the global media environment. As such they are able to amplify preferred messages or suppress dissenting voices.
“Innovation cannot come at the expense of press freedom, privacy, or journalist safety,” she said.
Regarding Fiji, Ms Alefsen praised the 2023 repeal of the Media Industry Development Act as a “critical turning point,” noting its positive impact on Fiji’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index.
However, she emphasized that legal reforms must continue, especially regarding sedition laws, and highlighted ongoing challenges across the Pacific, including financial precarity, political pressure, and threats to women journalists.
According to Ms Alefsen, the media landscape in the Pacific is evolving for the better in some countries, but concerns remain.
She highlighted the challenging working conditions of most journalists in the region, where financial insecurity, political interference, and lack of institutional support are prevalent.
“Independent journalism ensures transparency, combats disinformation, amplifies marginalized voices, and enables people to make informed decisions about their lives and governance.
“In too many countries around the world, journalists face censorship, detention, and in some cases, death—simply for doing their jobs,” she said.
Strengthening media independence and sustainability
Keynote speaker Mr Simpson echoed these concerns, adding that “the era where the Fiji media could survive out of sheer will and guts is over.”
“Now, it’s about technology, sustainability, and mental health support,” he said.
Speaking on the theme, Strengthening Media Independence and Sustainability, Mr Simpson emphasized the need for the media to remain independent, noting that journalists are often expected to make greater sacrifices than professionals in other industries.
“Independence—while difficult and challenging—is a must in the media industry for it to maintain credibility. We must be able to think, speak, write, and report freely on any matter or anyone,” Mr Simpson said.
According to him, there is a misconception in Fiji that being independent means avoiding relationships or contacts.
“There is a need to build your networks—to access and get information from a wide variety of sources. In fact, strengthening media independence means being able to talk to everyone and hear all sides. Gather all views and present them in a fair, balanced, and accurate manner.”
Mr Simpson recalled the events of the 2006 political upheaval, which he said contributed to the decline of media freedom and the collapse of some media organisations in Fiji.
“Today, as we mark World Press Freedom Day, we gather at this great institution to reflect on a simple yet profound truth: media can only be truly sustainable if it is genuinely free. We need democratic, political, and governance structures in place, along with a culture of responsible free speech—believed in and practiced by our leaders and the people of Fiji,” he said.
The new media landscape
Mr Simpson also spoke about the evolving media landscape, noting the rise of social media influencers and AI generated content.
He urged journalists to verify sources and ensure fairness, balance, and accuracy—something most social media platforms are not bound by.
While some influencers have been accused of being clickbait-driven, Mr Simpson acknowledged their role. “I think they are important new voices in our democracy and changing landscape,” he said.
He criticized AI-generated news platforms that republish content without editorial oversight, warning that they further erode public trust in the media.
“Sites are popping up overnight claiming to be news platforms, but their content is just AI-regurgitated media releases,” he said. “This puts the entire credibility of journalism at risk.”
Fiji media challenges
Mr Simpson outlined several challenges facing the Fiji media, including financial constraints, journalist mental health, lack of investment in equipment, low salaries, and staff retention.
He emphasized the importance of building strong democratic and governance structures and fostering a culture that respects and values free speech.
“Many fail to appreciate the full scale of the damage to the media industry landscape from the last 16 years. If there had not been a change in government, I believe there would have been no Mai TV, Fiji TV, or a few other local media organisations today. We would not have survived another four years,” he said.
According to Mr Simpson, some media organisations in Fiji are only one or two months away from shutting down.
“We barely survived the last 16 years, while many media organisations in places like New Zealand—TV3, NewsHub, etc.—have already closed down.
“The era where the Fiji media would survive out of sheer will and guts is over. We need to be more adaptive and respond quickly to changing realities—digital, social media, and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Young journalists respond
A three-member panel made up of USP Journalism students responded to the comments made by the chief guest and the keynote speaker.
Second-year USP journalism student Vahefonua Tupola of Tonga highlighted the connection between media freedom and ethical journalism, sharing a personal experience to illustrate his point. He shared how during his brother’s funeral in Tonga, while his family was grieving, the local journalists had encroached on their mourning period with questions and calls for interviews.
He said that while journalists should enjoy media freedom, they must also apply professional ethics, especially in challenging situations.
Tupola noted that the insights shared by the speakers and fellow students had a profound impact on his perspective.
Another panelist, third-year student and Journalism Students Association President Riya Bhagwan addressed the intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism.
She said that in this era of rapid technological advancement, responsibility is more critical than ever—with the rise of AI, social media, and a constant stream of information.
“It’s no longer just professional journalists reporting the news—we also have citizen journalism, where members of the public create and share content that can significantly influence public opinion. With this shift, responsible journalism becomes essential. Journalists must uphold professional standards, especially in terms of accuracy and credibility,” she said.
The third panelist, second-year student Maniesse Ikuinen-Perman from the Federated States of Micronesia, acknowledged the challenges facing media organisations and journalists in the Pacific.
She shared that young and aspiring journalists like herself were only now beginning to understand the scope of difficulties journalists face in Fiji and across the region.
Maniesse emphasised the importance of not just studying journalism but also putting it into practice after graduation, particularly when returning to work in media organisations in their home countries.
USP Journalism Head of Programme, Dr Shailendra Singh who moderated the panel discussion said while Fiji has made significant progress with the repeal of the draconian media act, global experiences demonstrate that media freedom must never be taken for granted.
He stressed that maintaining media freedom is an ongoing struggle and always a work in progress.
“As far as media freedom is concerned, there is always a new challenge on the horizon,” he said, pointing to the complications brought about by digital disruption and, more recently, artificial intelligence.
Please click on the links below to read the full speech by United Nations Human Rights Adviser for the Pacific, Heike Alefsen and General Secretary of the Fijian Media Association and Director and Editor of Mai TV, Stanley Simpson:
Niko Ratumaimuri is a second-year journalism student at The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus.
