Insight for Sunday 15 November 2009

Although technology changes have increased access to the media around the Pacific, free and open reporting can not be taken for granted.

Reporting restrictions can be as subtle as keeping in with family and business acquaintances in a small community, or, as overt as physical violence and outright censorship.

In contrast, the Cook Islands has become the first Pacific nation to introduce a Freedom of Information Act that some say has opened up access to Government decision-making.

Sara Vui-talitu from Radio New Zealand International travels to the Pacific to investigate.

Picture: The banner of advocacy group, Pacific Freedom Forum, set up in response to threats against media and other freedoms in the islands region.