MEDIA have an important role to play as a watch dog to uphold good governance by reporting on corrupt practices in the region.
Samoan Observer Editor Keni Lesa was speaking to the regional participants of the business/economic reporting training yesterday at the National University of Samoa in Apia.
He said a strong media working is part of promoting democracy in the region and reporters must do their job effectively to address corruption in the respective regional countries.
“This is part of promoting democracy and good governance in your own countries,” he said.
He said as a media organization his team also faces a lot of challenges when reporting on corruption.
The editor said access to information and cultural connections between the people remains a challenge in trying to report bad practices in Samoa.
“But we manage to do our job effectively if we have the right information.”
He challenged the regional reporters to continue with their good by working closely with the Ombudsman office and audit office to access information and vice versa.
“It’s always important to work closely with some of the authorities like the Ombudsman and the auditing office to address corruption,” he said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
in Apia, SAMOA
