Radio 2AP’s Vaasiliega Iupati Lagaai’a (left) takes on Prime Minister during the weekly Meet the Press with the government leader, broadcast live by the radio station.

“As the presenter of the weekly interview with the Prime Minister, I am embarrassed and offended that Tautua Samoa has decided to make such claims and mislead the public. – Vaasiliega Iupati Lagaai’a

 

By Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

The longest serving broadcaster of the land, Vaasiliega Iupati Lagaai’a is disappointed with the Tautua Samoa Opposition Party.

His disappointment is over unsubstantiated allegations by Tautua Samoa that Government’s Radio 2AP have denied them access to their live radio program. A program which is also afforded to the Prime Minister on a weekly basis.

“The Tautua Samoa has discredited our code of ethics, knowing very well that Radio 2AP had given them 100% access without restrictions to broadcast their election manifesto and related issues,” said Vaasiliega.

“As the presenter of the weekly interview with the Prime Minister, I am embarrassed and offended that Tautua Samoa has decided to make such claims and mislead the public.

“In my humble opinion it shows that Tautua Samoa cannot be trusted to lead the country or even become lawmakers.”

According to a MCIT press statement,

“In the lead up to General Elections, Tautua Samoa had requested (and were granted) a one-hour, live, weekly on-air programme with Radio 2AP- a division of MCIT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
“A total of six live programmes aired between 13th January and 24th February 2016.  The programmes run every Wednesday at 10am and to date, have been rebroadcast an additional twelve times.

“A final live on-air broadcast, and eventual rebroadcast, is scheduled for 2nd March 2016.

For the live programme conducted on Wednesday 17th February, at 10am and replayed at 9pm on the same day, only the party leader Palusalue Faapo II and election candidate Vaai Papu attended.

“The Party Leader spent close to an hour elaborating on their party’s manifesto for the upcoming elections, with the 2AP programme host putting questions to him on several occasions, to clarify issues of importance.

“Ample time was also spent by the Party Leader in promoting their session in Savaii which was scheduled for the following day.

Just a little over an hour in to the program, election candidate and party member Vaai Papu wanted to speak on-air.

“Despite the fact that Vaai had used inappropriate language while on-air on another local radio station, the Radio 2AP  host allowed him time to address his constituency and comment on some party issues.

“However, 2AP Radio management were conscious and mindful of a possible repeat of the same inappropriate behaviour, thus steps – such as on-the-spot editing and prior warning against use of inappropriate language – were taken to ensure the Government radio station, which is broadcast in to the homes of many families across Samoa, would not go against broadcasting standards and air any offensive and inappropriate commentary.

“As “The voice of the nation”, Radio 2AP takes great care with their programme content and in broadcasting responsibly to everyone in Samoa.”

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