Tonga Government Accused of Controlling State Media Ahead of Elections

A shakeup at the Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC) prompted speculations that the Tongan government has taken more control over the state-funded media. News editor Laumanu Petelo and news manager Viola Ulakai were suddenly transferred to the sales and marketing department. Both clashed with Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva when the latter accused the TBC of being an enemy of the government.The prime minister insisted that the TBC should be supporting government programs, issuing a warning that he could order its privatization or shut down the network.Newly-designated TBC board chairman Tu'i Uata ordered the transfer of the network’s two senior editors. But Uata clarified that TBC's financial losses were the reason why he removed the editors. He added that TBC could face bankruptcy in two months if restructuring did not happen.But Petelo and Ulakai's lawyer insists that the newsroom shakeup was part of the government’s plan to control the TBC a few weeks before the general elections scheduled for November 16.Independent media group Matangi Tonga Online published an editorial echoing a similar point:TBC) enemy privatization bankruptcy control published