In a recent development, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, expressed his concerns regarding the coverage of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa’s annual conference by the Samoa Observer newspaper. La’auli criticised the newspaper for its reporting on issues discussed during the conference and urged the journalists to prioritise fact-checking and accuracy in their stories.
During an interview on the church’s Soalepule program aired on the C.C.C.S. TV station, La’auli voiced his dissatisfaction with the newspaper’s coverage of concerns raised by the congregation members regarding the program’s content. The members had expressed their desire for the church leaders to monitor the content aired by the church-owned TV station, citing concerns of increasing political influence.
However, La’auli contended that the newspaper’s coverage of the matter was “ill-motivated” and aimed at instigating conflicts within the church while pressuring its members to put an end to the program. As the Chairman of the ruling Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party, La’auli responded to a question posed by the program host, Paiali’i Tapuala Oloapu, who inquired whether the Samoa Observer had reached out for comments on the issue. La’auli claimed that no such request was made to him as an employee of the church-owned TV station.
La’auli took the opportunity to shed light on the origins of the Soalepule program, explaining that it was initiated as a means for him to voice his opinions and address various allegations and criticisms raised against him by the former government. He emphasised that the program aimed to provide a balanced platform for different perspectives and to clarify any misconceptions surrounding his actions.
Expressing his appreciation for the church’s support in providing him with the platform, La’auli addressed the recent criminal libel case filed against him and the C.C.C.S. TV station by the former Human Rights Protection Party leader, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi. He reiterated that any issues with the program should be directed towards him and the program’s host, Tapuala, rather than involving the church itself.
While addressing the Samoa Observer, La’auli expressed his shock at the publication of the resolutions from the church’s annual conference and the report claiming that the C.C.C.S. was shutting down the Soalepule program. However, he also acknowledged the importance of the Samoa Observer in providing valuable services to the country over the years.
In light of this, La’auli recommended that the journalists at the Samoa Observer strive for balanced reporting and ensure that all sides of the story are accurately represented. He encouraged them to exercise caution and verify information before publishing, emphasising the significance of fact-checking and avoiding the dissemination of misinformation. La’auli further suggested that open communication channels be established between the newspaper and the individuals involved in the stories, to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Ultimately, La’auli expressed his willingness to explore alternative avenues to clarify any misinformation, should the church decide to shut down the Soalepule program. He emphasised that accurate reporting and responsible journalism are essential for fostering a well-informed society and avoiding unnecessary confusion and unrest.
While acknowledging the importance of the Samoa Observer’s role in the media landscape, La’auli recommended that the newspaper’s journalists prioritise fact-checking, balanced reporting, and open communication to uphold the highest standards of journalism.