Freedom of the Press - Vanuatu (2004)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 4
Political Influences: 8
Economic Pressures: 11
Total Score: 23

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 67
Religious Groups: Presbyterian (36.7 percent), Anglican (15 percent), Roman Catholic (15 percent), indigenous beliefs (7.6 percent), Seventh-Day Adventist (6.2 percent), Church of Christ (3.8 percent), other (15.7 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Melanesian (98.5 percent), other [including French, Vietnamese, and Chinese (2 percent)
Capital: Port Vila

The constitution provides for press freedom. There is one government newspaper and a number that are privately owned. The sole radio and television stations are both owned by the state. The press is generally free to report criticisms of the government and its leaders without hindrance. However, the issue of media freedom was raised in September when a dispute between the Vanuatu Maritime Authority (VMA) and the Daily Post newspaper resulted in the newspaper's being served an injunction to stop reporting on the VMA or its staff. The VMA is under investigation for alleged mismanagement. In addition, Daily Post publisher Marc Neil-Jones was attacked by a group of unidentified assailants. Prime Minister Edward Natapei, approached by the Vanuatu Media Association in an appeal for press freedom, said he would resist pressure to curb the media.