Freedom of the Press - Micronesia (2006)
| Publisher | Freedom House |
| Publication Date | 27 April 2006 |
| Cite as | Freedom House, Freedom of the Press - Micronesia (2006), 27 April 2006, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/473451d545.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Status: Free
Legal Environment: 1
Political Influences: 8
Economic Pressures: 11
Total Score: 20
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 67
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (50 percent), Protestant (47 percent), other (3 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Micronesian, Polynesian
Capital: Palikir
Article 4, section 1 of the constitution guarantees that no law may deny or impair the right to freedom of expression, peaceable association, or petition. Although the government generally respects these rights in practice, a weak economy, considerable distance among Micronesia's four island states, and a small advertising base have resulted in limited media ownership. The newspaper with the broadest reach is the state-run Kaselehlie Press, which is published biweekly and is available throughout the country. While often distributed irregularly, independent weekly and monthly newspapers and bulletins are also published in the states of Yap, Kosrae, and Pohnpei. Each of the four state governments has radio stations that often include news and sessions of the state legislatures in the local language. However, harsh weather conditions and technical difficulties interfered with government radio broadcasting in both Yap and Chuuk for most of the year. Media from outside the country are more prevalent than internal sources of news and information, and access to international satellite broadcasts continues to grow. The government places no restrictions on access to the internet, and over 10 percent of Micronesians were reported to have had access in 2005.
