Tonga Broadcasting operations under review [1]
Monday, September 22, 2008 - 12:49. Updated on Sunday, September 14, 2014 - 18:24.
Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, September 11-17, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.
The Kalonikali on September 11 reports that Radio and Television Tonga are not for sale, according to Tonga Broadcasting Commission general manager 'Elenoa 'Amanaki, but a consultant is here to review TBC's operation.
The newspaper also reports that under a "Connected Kingdom" programme, internet training will reach the villages, primary schools and internet centres in Tonga.
The Talakion September 17 alleges that the MV Tautahi, which had just returned from Fiji, had secretly unloaded some cargo at the swimming pool at Popua. The Ports Authority was investigating but had already sacked its security guard at the site.
The Taimi on September 17 reports that the Pacific Trading Co. Ltd., which is owned by parliamentarian 'Uliti Uata, has lost its latest lawsuit with the Ports Authority. They have been to court six times and the Ports Authority has won all six, while a seventh court case is pending.
The Taimi reports that Kele'a publisher Po'oi Pohiva pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court to three counts relating to the publication on 5 December 2007 of a letter to the editor, which threatened destruction of property. A hearing has been scheduled for 20 April 2009 and Po'oi has elected to be tried by a jury.
The Kele'a on September 17 recalls the times when Prime Minister Feleti Sevele passed information to them and even wrote stories for the newspaper, but laments that Feleti had moved on to Kalafi Moala and the Taimi.
The Kele'a also claims that the Tourism CEO Edgar Cocker has been advised to resign by the Public Service Commission, after they received a letter from Minister of Tourism Fineasi Funaki, informing them that he no longer wanted to work with Edgar.
Six of the touring Tonga Aussie Rule team are reported to have absconded in Australia much to the disappointment of their manager Sione Finau Lauti who says it closes the opportunity for any Tongan football team to travel to Australia in future.