New Independent Newspaper For Kiribati

TARAWA (Pacnews) - A new independent newspaper has begun publishing in Kiribati, reports Pacnews.

The weekly newspaper, Kiribati New Star, hit the streets of the capital, Tarawa last Friday. It is being sold at AUS$0.60 (US$0.35) a copy, the same price as the government-owned weekly "Te Uekera".

Kiribati New Star is co-owned by three I-Kiribati nationals, including the former President, Ieremia Tabai and former government publications manager, Ngauea Uatioa.

Uatioa said the paper, which is printed on A4 size paper, will be sold on Tarawa and in the outer islands. He said the weekly will cover all types of stories and will try to do more investigative stories and sports that are often lacking in the government newspaper. The newspaper has two reporters.

Tabai and Uatioa have been trying unsuccessfully to establish a new FM radio station in the country. Last year they were fined by a Kiribati court for importing broadcasting equipment for the proposed radio station without a proper licence.

Tabai, an Opposition Member of Parliament, accused the Government of stopping him from establishing a radio station because of his political links...PNS

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