The speaker of the Niue Assembly, Hima Douglas, emphasized the crucial role of the media in representing the Opposition, particularly when parliamentary members are not performing effectively. During a roundtable discussion preceding the 7th Pacific Media Summit in Niue, Douglas highlighted that the media has historically provided a platform for Opposition voices.
He noted that there are times when the Opposition may find itself isolated or voiceless, which underscores the media’s responsibility to take its place and advocate for public interests, especially in Niue, where there is no official Opposition in the Assembly.
Douglas pointed out a concerning trend in the region where governments are increasingly allocating funds to media organizations under the pretext of supporting public service. He stressed the importance of fairness, stating that if a broadcasting station were to become a public service entity, it would need to serve both the government and the people without bias.
Even if media outlets receive government funding, Douglas insisted they must provide equal coverage to both government and Opposition viewpoints. He remarked on a common issue in small island nations where government officials often avoid responding to media inquiries, suggesting that persistent questioning from the press could encourage them to engage more openly in future interactions.