Palau’s President Calls for Rebuilding of Credible Media

In a recent statement, Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr has expressed concerns over the credibility of the media in his country. He believes that the media has “lost its credibility,” is “not ethical,” and “sensationalising” reports.

The Context: A Lawsuit Against the National Newspaper

The situation came to light when a company owned by President Whipps Jr’s father, Surangel and Sons, sued the country’s national newspaper, Island Times Palau. The company claims that Island Times published an article with “false and unsubstantiated allegations” about how much tax was paid by President Whipps Sr’s business.

The Response from the Media

Earlier in November, President Whipps Jr branded the reporting as “propaganda” and “inaccurate”. In a statement on 27 November, the Palau Media Council and Island Times thanked supporters for contributing towards their fundraising plea to cover legal costs.

“In these challenging times, when press freedom is increasingly under threat from legal pressures and attempts to silence critical reporting, your unwavering support sends a powerful message: our community stands united in defence of truth and transparency,” the statement said.

A Call for Rebuilding Media Credibility

President Whipps Jr has since stated that “the media in Palau has lost credibility” due to its tendency to play politics and sway opinions. He believes that media should be accountable, responsible, and committed to sharing the truth.

“The media plays an important role in ensuring that the public is well-informed,” he said. “Sometimes the media has its own twist on things, and everything from misprinting, not disclosing advertisements, or other issues.”

Palauans Demand a Reputable Media

President Whipps Jr emphasized that Palauans want a reputable media that they can trust and that speaks the truth. He acknowledged that the media has an important role to play in informing the public.

“The media should be sharing all sides, so that people can make informed decisions,” he said.

A Conclusion: The Future of Media in Palau

In conclusion, President Whipps Jr’s comments highlight the importance of maintaining a credible and ethical media in Palau. The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by press freedom advocates and the need for support from the community to ensure that the media can continue to play its role in promoting transparency and truth.