Freedom of expression and information goes hand in hand with press freedom. It allows for inclusivity of all voices including marginal groups and allow people to participate in decision-making process.90 The media has played and continues to play an important role in Samoa’s democracy keeping citizens informed of various issues and holding governments and public bodies to account on matters of public interest. Media freedom is currently protected under our Constitution91 and it is generally respected in practice. The question regarding respect for media freedom in Samoa revealed mixed responses with some expressing that media freedom must be respected to ensure transparency and accountability92 while others expressed the need for responsible reporting by media groups on issues and Government practices.93 Various concerns have been raised in the past and echoed in submissions about quality and accurate reporting by the media in Samoa. Feedback received highlighted that misreporting and misinformation have become serious concerns in the media industry.94 Private newspapers tend to misinform the public through inaccurate and inadequate reporting.95 In response, one media practitioner expressed that they (media industry) have been pushing for quality media training and journalism studies for Samoa through a dedicated course at Samoa’s national university, however this has failed miserably after 15 years due to the lack of proper and qualified trainers.96 Recently, the university has begun offering media and journalism courses as part of its Foundation Arts certificate programme.97 Despite such step it does not adequately provide a robust training ground to produce qualified and ethical practitioners who should have skills to access and use information for the benefit of the public. According to one submitter, this is needed more now with information explosion online, distorted stories, misreporting and others.98 90 Samoa Observer written submission (13 May 2021). See Constitution of Samoa, Article 13. 92 Samoa Observer written submission (13 May 2021). See also Office of the Ombudsman NHRI Samoa, State of Human Rights Report 2015, (Apia, 2015). 93 MPMC written submission (26 April 2021). Office of the Regulator (OOTR) written submission (30 April 2021). See also Office of the Ombudsman NHRI Samoa, State of Human Rights Report 2015, (Apia, 2015). 94 MPMC written submissions (26 April 2021), OOTR written submission (30 April). 95 MPMC written submissions (26 April 2021), OOTR written submission (30 April). See also Press Release by the Attorney General, “Accuracy in Media Reporting, Media Freedom, Whistle blower, Protected Disclosure and Conflicted Comments”, (18 March 2021) https://hi-in.facebook.com/samoagovt/posts/4053360824694909. 96 Talamua written submission (30 April 2021). 97 See, Marc Membrere, “Media course included in N.U.S. Foundation studies”, Samoa Observer (6 July 2021) https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/86771. 98 Talamua written submission (30 April 2021). 91 State of Human Rights Report 2021 | 29