Media in Vanuatu

Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) is the state-owned national broadcasting organisation, with radio, television and online services. Radio Vanuatu is central to rural access and emergency information, and shortwave broadcasts reach much of the archipelago. Television Blong Vanuatu (TBV) is the only national television channel. Paradise 98FM and Femme Pawa 99FM are examples of local radio services. Private print and online media also operate, but the market is small and fragile, and rural reporting is limited by transport costs, field costs and the distance between islands. Indigenous-content providers have called for stronger market protection, while self-regulation supports independent and investigative journalism. Online news, social media and international streaming services require a suitable device, network access and mobile data. Mobile penetration was reported at 96.13% in 2024, but this does not mean that all islands or communities have equal access. Earthquake disruption has affected networks and reduced mobile data traffic. Remote communities remain structurally disadvantaged. No single nationally verified media or streaming fee applies across all services. The Telecommunications, Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR), established as the broadcast and media regulator on 27 August 2018, handles broadcasting and media licences, frequencies, the Code of Practice, quality of service, advertising and complaints. Broadcast and apparatus licences are paid before issue, with the amount depending on the licence class and frequency. VBTC is the designated national emergency broadcaster. The Department of Climate Change and Digital Transformation and CERT Vanuatu deal with digital safety and cyber matters. The Constitution protects freedom of expression, including press and media freedom. The TRBR Code of Practice requires truthfulness, fairness, privacy, consent, correction, a right of reply and editorial independence. News and opinion should be distinguished from advertising, and sponsored news or current-affairs programming is not permitted under the Code. TRBR can investigate breaches and apply sanctions. During elections, the Vanuatu Electoral Office handles media accreditation and expects neutrality, accuracy and respect for voters and ballot secrecy. The Right to Information Act 2016 gives the public and media a legal process for requesting public information, although responses can be delayed in practice. The Code treats children as people under 18. Television content is subject to a watershed from 21:00 to 05:30, and adult or sexual material is restricted by time or more generally. Radio scheduling should take school and breakfast times into account. A contribution by a person under 18 requires parental or guardian consent. The available local rules do not establish a separate local age-classification system for international streaming services. The Harmful Digital Communications Act No. 14 of 2024 has applied since 2 January 2025. It covers harmful conduct through email, calls, text messages, social-media posts and comments, webchat, blogs, podcasts and video. Its protections address conduct such as trolling, doxing, bullying, cyberstalking, false rumours, deepfakes, sextortion, revenge pornography and threats. A complaint can first be made to the online-content host. If the host receives no valid counter-notice, the content must be removed or disabled within a maximum of 48 hours under the applicable process. Disclosure of identifying data requires a Magistrates' Court order. The Digital Safety Authority Act No. 15 of 2024 provides for a Commissioner and deputy commissioners responsible for harmful digital communications and data protection. People can participate through VBTC programmes and its online or social channels, which provide forums for local voices. A Code Advisory Panel includes civil-society and church representatives. A broadcast complaint normally begins with the sender or broadcaster; unresolved complaints can be referred to TRBR, with a typical target response within one month.