Journalists flag Samoa’s draft media protocol

The bill would require background checks on journalists and mandatory approval of questions during press briefingsOriginally published on Global VoicesSamoa Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt. Photo from X post of the government of Samoa. Fair use. A draft government protocol for journalists covering press conferences has raised concerns that it could restrict the work of media in the Pacific island nation of Samoa. The 19-page draft guidelines titled “Government Media Protocol” would require background checks on the political affiliations of journalists and the approval of questions to be raised during press briefings. The questions must be submitted at least 24 hours before the event. The document leaked in early December also states that the “government reserves the right to…

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