The Constitution provides for freedom of expression. News and opinion circulate freely, rapidly, and widely by the press and word of mouth. The country has one regular publication, the privately owned newspaper the Central Star News, which publishes monthly and which operates and editorializes freely. The sole radio station, owned and operated by the Government, broadcasts Radio Australia and British Broadcasting Corporation news reports but not local news. Pay television broadcasting from New Zealand is received by satellite.
Foreign publications are widely available.
There are no prohibitions or restrictions on academic freedom. The Government respects the constitutional right of peaceful assembly and association. There are no limitations on private associations, and no permits are required for public meetings. The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government respects this right in practice. The law provides for these rights for citizens, and the Government respects them in practice.