TV1 Samoa receives warning about popular program

b8e27a8a-ca97-477a-8800-2f0bebf7e624

Samoa Broadcasting Corporation Ltd, owners of the popular TV1 Samoa television station has been warned by the Office of the Regulator to “refrain from running programmes that will stir up the viewers and listeners” or risk losing its broadcast license.
 
Newsline Samoa reports that in a letter to the broadcaster last week, the Regulator, Lematua Gisa Purcell said complaints from the general public was the reason for the warning.
 
The complaints target the airing and streaming of the popular talk show “Good Morning Samoa” which have regular appearances by the leader of the opposition Human Rights Protection Party, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and his deputy, Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo.
 
A second weekly program, “Fa’atalanoaga ma le Ta’ita’i o le Itu Agai”, (Discussion with the Leader of the Opposition) is also singled out as stirring up “contentious reactions provoked by the political agendas of the opposition leader”.
 
“TV1 is strongly advised to take heed and observe the above warning. Failure to adhere to this warning may result in suspension or revocation of your Broadcasting License” wrote the Regulator.

Targeting of TV1Samoa has raised eyebrows amongst some members of the public who say there is an obvious attempt to censure freedom of expression, guaranteed under the Constitution.

In particular, some are asking why the Regulator has not censured EFKSTV2, which runs daily programs featuring Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party leadership and supporters running down the HRPP and espousing FAST policies.

This station is run by the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa which had openly supported FAST since campaigning started for the April 9 General Elections and still continues.