Expression
Government regulation and monitoring impacts on press freedom
In March 2025 a study “The State of the Media: Kiribati” was published that was led by ABC International Development (ABCID) and delivered as part of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), informed by their Pacific partners. Data was collected and initial findings distributed in 2024, but the report was published in 2025.
In the study, it was highlighted that media practitioner respondents have stated that, due to government regulation, local media face challenges in reporting independently and fulfilling their obligation to serve the public’s interest. This has influenced how stories are reported, according to respondents, especially if they concern the government.
Respondents mentioned that daily news bulletins are at times monitored by relevant institutional bodies to ensure the content does not contradict government messaging. Most respondents believe that journalism would be more balanced if greater freedom is afforded to the media in Kiribati. Respondents also asserted that the roles and functions of government and media are not always differentiated or distinct; at times, dissemination of news and information is spearheaded by the government, with the news cycle defined by institutional priorities.
Challenges in the right to access information
Further, the study noted that the constitution does not expressly provide for the right to access information, but a Freedom of Information Bill was drafted in 2020. As of April 2024, however, there had been no further development on the bill. Kiribati is also a party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. This commits the government to releasing official information if it is in the public’s interest, and to facilitating public and media access to obtain and publish information on corruption from decision-making authorities. However, media practitioner respondents noted that accessing government information remains a challenge, with the process deemed extensive and lengthy.