In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day today, Prime Minister Mark Brown has underlined the importance of media freedom in the Cook Islands, describing a strong and independent press as a vital part of the country’s democracy and a reflection of its maturity as a self-governing nation.

“As we mark World Press Freedom Day, I want to acknowledge the important role our media plays in the Cook Islands,” Brown told Cook Islands News.

“A healthy democracy needs an active and independent press. Our journalists help keep people informed, ask the tough questions, and make sure the public can engage with the issues that matter.”

He said the press plays a critical role in holding people accountable and helping democracy thrive. “They are a key part of how we hold each other to account and keep our democracy strong.”

Brown’s remarks come as the country joins others around the world today to observe World Press Freedom Day.

In the Cook Islands, there more than four media outlets including radio and television stations, and newspaper that operate in Rarotonga and several outer islands, including Aitutaki and Mangaia.

“Here in the Cook Islands, we’re proud to have a truly independent media landscape,” Brown said.

“All of our media outlets are privately owned and operate free from government control or oversight. That independence gives our journalists the freedom to report without fear or favour, and that’s something not all countries in the region can say.”

While celebrating the freedom the local media enjoys, Brown also stressed the importance of responsible reporting.

“As Prime Minister, I believe in the value of open dialogue and free expression. At the same time, it’s important that our media continues to report fairly, honestly, and with integrity, because trust goes both ways.”

Cook Islands News Publisher John Woods expresses his belief that the role of the media is vital in accurately reflecting and reporting the truth about life in the Cook Islands.

Woods says, “I'm continually reminded looking at our newspaper and the news that is generated in the Cook Islands, I am convinced that our role in reflecting and reporting the truth of life in the islands where it is contingent upon the right of politicians and the public to speak their minds without restriction and control.”

Looking at the global landscape, noting the presence of dictators and authoritarian leaders in places like Russia and America today, Woods highlights the importance of independent, self-governing, free-thinking nations such as the Cook Islands and New Zealand. He argues that their role is crucial in maintaining balance and freedom on a global scale.

“When I look at the Cook Islands place on the world stage where we have dictators and obsessive rulers like in Russia and America at the moment, the role of independent self-governing, free-thinking nations like the Cook Islands and indeed New Zealand is critical to maintaining the balance and freedom of the entire world.”

Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt also weighed in on the occasion, sharing how the Cook Islands Police Service has taken steps to improve transparency in recent years.

“Since the earlier part of 2017, the Police Service has adopted a highly transparent approach to providing information to the public, particularly official Police business and Police personnel,” Pitt said.

He said the shift towards openness was in part a response to issues raised by the McDermott-Matapo report, which highlighted internal concerns about police conduct and accountability.

“It was decided that the Police utilise as much as possible, as the primary channel, the online platforms of social media and website to release information.”

The traditional media channels of print and broadcasting were to remain engaged but the Police would maintain Facebook as its foremost channel for news communication according to Pitt.

This strategy, Pitt noted, was supported by changes in how the public consumes news.

“Police Facebook users, followers, and reach, have grown significantly over the past eight years.”

Still, he acknowledged the tension between transparency and operational sensitivity.

“While being responsive to the community’s needs, the Police Service is mindful that a careful balance needs to be navigated between upholding the integrity of Police information, and addressing the public interest.”

“This is a difficult task given the broad, confidential nature of Police work and the smallness of our community, which is sensitive to certain cultural values, and adherence to Christian principles.”

He reiterated that police accountability extends beyond internal systems.

“Police Officers are committed by an Oath of Duty to a legal authority unlike any other institution in the Cook Islands. Serving the public will always involve a degree of accountability both through the media and public institutions, such as Parliament.”

Pitt added that World Press Freedom Day, and the role of free media in general, is recognised and supported as a necessary pillar of our democracy and rights.

He said the Cook Islands Police Service “continues to be as transparent and accountable as is practicable, and endeavours to be responsive to the needs of the public, direct or through media outlets and platforms.”

Meanwhile, Brown linked press freedom to the Cook Islands’ broader democratic journey.

“This year, as we reflect on 60 years of self-governance, it’s a good reminder that freedom of the press isn’t just a principle, it’s a sign of a confident, mature nation. And I’m proud that here in the Cook Islands, we can have open conversations and hear different views, that’s what makes our country strong.”