Journalists Association of Samoa JAWS

14/08/2025

13/08/2025

Faatupe ele PACMAS le ofisa autu o le JAWS

14 Aukuso 2025 Samoa - Ua tali e le PACMAS le manaoga ole asosi o tusitala a Samoa ua faitau tausagga talu ona moomoo iai,

O le iai lea o sona ia lava ofisa e faatino ai ana galuega, pei o fonotaga ma aoaoga, ae ole faataunuuga o ona totino ile sAmoa nei, ma paaga malaga mai fafo.

Ole vaiaso nei lea ua faalauiloa mai ai e le Peresetene ole JAWS, Lagi Keresoma, e $105afe tala le tupe ua atofa mai e le PACMAS, Pacific Media Association, o loo faatupe e le malo o Ausetalia.

O loo faamauina lava le ofo a le malo o Samoa, ile taimi o le HRPP, latou te faatupeina se avanoa mo le faatino ai o galuega a le JAWS.

Peita’i sa le’i talia gofie lena itu e le pulega o lena taimi, talu le faaeteetega ile feninia’i o galuega faatusitala ma pulega faalemalo.

Ina ia faatino ai galuega a le aufaasalalau ile faamaoni ma le amiotonu, e aunoa ma se faaituau, ma oo mai ai nei lava.

Peita’i o ta’ua e le Peresetene ole tupe e $105afe tala lea ua fessoasoani mai ai le PACMAS, e le’o se mealofa ae o le galuega faapaaga ale PACMAS ma le JAWS. Ole PACMAS, oloo faatupe e le malo o Ausetalia.

Ole seleni o le’a fesoasoni e totogi a le lisi, 13 masina, o le ofsia o le JAWS ile $2,000tala ile masina, faatau ai ni ana meafale, aofia ai ma le faatotoga ole ofisa, ae ose tagata e galuega ai ile ofisa o le JAWS I Samoa, pei ona saunoa le Susuga a Lagi.

13/08/2025

13/08/2025

11/08/2025

Ua mautū nei le fesoasoani a le polokalame a le malo o Ausetalia mo auaunaga i galuega faatusitala ma faasalalauga i le Pasefika e ta’ua o le PACMAS...

08/08/2025

The BBCMA-Supported Media Workshop and Elections Press Clubs concluded on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at the USP Samoa Campus in Alafua, with a powerful and inclusive dialogue between political party representatives, civil society organisations, and youth. The final session, themed Vision for the Nation: Party Leaders on Accountability, Access and Inclusion,” marked a successful finale to the four-day initiative, which aimed to strengthen media integrity and public engagement in Samoa’s democratic process.

The event brought together representatives from NGOs and civil society groups including SVSG, Nuanua o le Alofa (NOLA), Samoa Chamber of Commerce, Samoa Fa’afafine Association (SFA), Apelu Sports, and students from NUS and USP studying journalism, law, and communications. Moderated by Saui’a Dr. Louise Mataia-Milo (NUS) and Dr. Folototo Seve (USP), the session focused on how political party manifestos address the needs of Samoa’s most marginalised communities.

Panelists from various political parties responded to questions on improving access for persons with disabilities, recognising Fa’afafine and Fa’afatama as respected members of society with access to decision-making and funding, supporting disadvantaged women through initiatives like the Nofotane Program, and promoting environmentally sustainable development.

The moderators summarised key takeaways from the entire Press Club series, highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership, transparency, and the need for political platforms to reflect the lived realities of all Samoans. The sessions were designed to foster talanoa and dialogue—not debate—ensuring respectful and meaningful exchanges. To protect the dignity of participants and avoid misrepresentation, livestreaming was discouraged, prioritising in-person engagement and safeguarding against cyberbullying.

This initiative was made possible through the partnership of BBCMA, JAWS, USP, and NUS, and served as a platform for youth, media, and civil society to engage directly with political leaders. It reaffirmed the role of media as a bridge between the people and those in power.

As Samoa prepares for its upcoming elections, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all candidates and political party teams who participated. We wish you well and hope voters will elect leaders who ensure that all Samoans especially the most vulnerable are heard, seen, and considered in national policies and development.

06/08/2025

Day Three of the Pre-Elections Press Clubs featured asession under the theme “The Next Wave: Youth, First-Time Candidates and Samoa’s Changing Political Landscape.” Held at USP Samoa Campus, the event spotlighted independent candidates.

This collaborative initiative led by BBC Media Action, JAWS, USP, and NUS aims to strengthen civic engagement and media integrity in the lead-up to Samoa’s general election.

The audience included journalism, law, and communications students from USP and NUS, youth representatives from SVSG Youth Executive, Brown Girl Woke, and members of the Samoa media. Moderated by Dr Folototo Seve (USP), the session opened with personal stories from the candidates, followed by a Q&A with students and civic youth groups.

Discussions focused on how youth can be more involved in decision-making, how leaders can balance traditional leadership with modern youth perspectives, and how to address pressing issues such as mental health, disability inclusion, youth unemployment, village development, education, rural opportunities, and drug and substance abuse. A standout moment was the proposal to establish a Ministry for Youth, reflecting the urgency of youth representation in national policy.

This is a historic moment for Samoa, with more than 40 candidates running as independents—a significant shift in the political landscape. While not aligned with any political party, these candidates are choosing to work together, share platforms, and support one another in a collective effort to represent diverse voices and grassroots concerns.

The programme will be broadcast on TV1 Samoa. Day 2: She Leads will be aired tonight- August 7th- 9pm, Day 3: IndependentCandidates- August 8th 9pm and August 9th 9pm: Party Leadership

Tonight’s session (Thursday 7 August) will feature political party Leadership representatives engaging directly with civil society organisations and NGOs. The dialogue will focus on how the needs of Samoa’s most vulnerable, marginalised, and often neglected communities will be represented in party manifestos and national decision-making.

05/08/2025

05/08/2025

Women Leaders Take the Stage in Collaborative Pre-Election Press Club Event in Samoa

Day Two of the BBCMA-Supported Media Workshop and Elections Press Clubs brought together women political candidates, journalists, and students for a powerful evening of dialogue under the theme “She Leads: Women’s Political Leadership and the Future of Samoa.”

This pre-election initiative is a collaborative effort between BBC Media Action (BBCMA), the Journalists Association of Western Samoa (JAWS), the University of the South Pacific (USP), and the National University of Samoa (NUS). The programme aims to strengthen democratic engagement and media capacity in the lead-up to Samoa’s general election.

Held at the USP Samoa Campus, the session provided a platform for women candidates from across political parties to share their leadership visions and policy priorities. Moderated by Saui’a Dr. Louise Mataia-Milo (NUS), the event encouraged open and respectful dialogue, with journalists and students from USP and NUS asking questions that challenged gender bias, discrimination, unity, leadership and explored practical solutions for inclusive governance.

To ensure a safe and respectful space for all participants—especially the candidates—no live streaming was permitted during the Press Club session. This decision was made to foster open conversation and protect the integrity of the dialogue.

The evening highlighted the importance of media in amplifying diverse leadership narratives and ensuring that women’s voices are represented in national decision-making. Candidates spoke passionately about transparency, equity, and the need to build a political culture that values all Samoan communities.

The programme will be broadcast on TV1 Samoa, allowing the wider public to engage with the conversations shaping Samoa’s democratic future. Watch this space for air dates and details.

Tonight’s session (Wednesday 6 August) will spotlight “The Next Wave: Youth, First-Time Candidates and Samoa’s Changing Political Landscape.” Young and emerging political candidates will engage in intergenerational dialogue with students and civic youth groups, sharing fresh perspectives and ideas for Samoa’s future.

The Elections Press Clubs continue throughout the week, reinforcing the shared commitment of all partners to fostering informed, ethical, and inclusive journalism in Samoa.

05/08/2025

Empowering Future Journalists: Day One of BBCMA Media Workshop Highlights Samoa’s Democratic Duality

The BBCMA-Supported Media Workshop started Monday 4th of August at the USP Samoa Campus, welcoming journalism students from the University of the South Pacific and the National University of Samoa to a day of immersive learning and dialogue. The workshop, held under the theme “Strengthening Media Integrity and Public Dialogue in Samoa’s Elections,” aimed to equip emerging journalists with the tools and confidence to engage meaningfully in Samoa’s democratic processes.

This pre-election event is a collaborative initiative between the British Broadcasting Corporation Media Action (BBCMA), the Journalists Association of Western Samoa (JAWS), the University of the South Pacific (USP), and the National University of Samoa (NUS), reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening media capacity and civic engagement in Samoa.

Facilitated by JAWS Executive members the sessions explored the critical role of media in elections, emphasizing its responsibility to inform the public, foster inclusive dialogue, and hold leaders accountable. A key highlight of the day was the exploration of Samoa’s unique dual governance system, which blends modern parliamentary democracy with the traditional Fa'amatai structure. Students reflected on how this duality shapes political participation and media responsibilities, offering a richer context for election coverage.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in practical exercises focused on ethical journalism, guided by the Media Code of Practice. They learned how to report with accuracy and fairness, respect privacy, and maintain editorial independence—especially during politically sensitive periods. A hands-on workshop on question framing challenged students to craft open-ended, issue-based, and neutral questions that promote meaningful dialogue and avoid bias.

The day concluded with a mock press club simulation, where students practiced interviewing techniques in a realistic setting. This experience prepared them for the upcoming press club sessions, where they will engage directly with political candidates and party leaders.

One student shared, “As a future journalist, I now understand that media is the fourth pillar of democracy, and our role is important. We have the power to shape public understanding and ensure leaders are held accountable.”

Students will have the opportunity to apply their skills in live press club events featuring women leaders, youth candidates, and party representatives. The initiative marks a significant step in empowering young journalists to contribute to a more informed and inclusive democracy in Samoa.

01/08/2025

30/07/2025

The Journalist Association of Samoa, supported by BBC Media Action, is bringing Press Clubs to USP Samoa Campus from August 4–7, 2025, to foster inclusive dialogue ahead of Samoa’s General Election on August 29.

🗓️ Daily Event Outline:

Monday, Aug 4
Media Students Workshop
For USP & NUS Media and Communication Students
📍 USP Lodge Conference Centre | 🕙 10am–4pm

Tuesday, Aug 5
SHE LEADS – Press Club
Featuring Women Political Candidates
🎤 Moderator: Saui’a Dr. Louise Mataia-Milo
📍 USP Lodge Fale | 🕕 6pm–9pm

Wednesday, Aug 6
The New Wave – Press Club
Youth & First-Time Candidates
🎤 Moderator: Dr. Folototo Seve
📍 USP Lodge Fale | 🕕 6pm–9pm

Thursday, Aug 7
VISION FOR THE NATION – Press Club
Political Party Leaders
🎤 Moderators: Dr. Folototo Seve & Saui’a Dr. Louise Mataia-Milo
📍 USP Lodge Fale | 🕕 6pm–9pm
🔒 Strictly by invitation only

Event will be Recorded & Televised. STRICTLY NO Livestreaming
Contact: [email protected]