The Pacific Islands News Association says many Pacific Island people and some leaders regard the media as the enemy and this is hampering media freedom in the region.
On International Media Freedom Day PINA has called for better understanding of the role of the media from both the people and their leaders.
The Association's President Moses Steven says more education is needed especially among smaller Pacific Island nations.
"They see the media people as an enemy. Now that we are looking at freeing access to information I think people need to know the media is the appropriate tool to use to enhance transparency and accountability and I think we have a lot of responsibility to educate our leaders and our people on that matter."
