Tonga Broadcaster's Parliament Ban Continues

NUKUALOFA, July 5 Asia Pulse - The Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC) says it is still being prevented from covering parliament despite assurances from the government that a ban has been lifted.

The prime minister's office said a ban on the TBC's daily parliamentary reports has been lifted after a reporter apologised following complaints from cabinet ministers about a lack of balance.

But Katalina Tohi, the manager of Television Tonga and part of the TBC, said this was simply not true.

Ms Tohi told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat Programme it was extremely frustrating, especially for radio and television outlets which need audio and vision.

She said journalists are still unable to record the proceedings of parliament.

"We really don't understand, we get calls from people everywhere asking why aren't you doing the parliamentary reports," Ms Tohi said.

"But then there it is, you can't do anything."

The reporting of parliament by TBC staff has been on hold since 15 June.

(Pacnews)

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