However, if Cyprus and Turkey are also added, this totals 15 councils out of 18 nations in Western Europe. In the Eastern European countries emerging from totalitarian rule after a half century, only Estonia has one. Such bodies can do little to address the flaws of modern journalism. It may be exercised by journalists, and by citizens generally, through speaking, writing, publishing and broadcasting or through non-violent physical acts. We regard freedom of expression as the primary freedom, as an essential precondition to the exercise of other freedoms.
Free expression requires that journalists enjoy substantial independence from their employers.
The terms of journalists should respect and reflect this requirement. Teachers, academics, nurses and many other people have professional unions in the Pacific. So should journalists to enhance professionalism and working conditions. No Pacific media council follows the tripartite model. The Fiji Media Council contrasts in its composition with the Australian and New Zealand models.