Entertainment Law at Samoa

20 May 2025 --
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Samoa's entertainment industry is governed by a legal framework that encompasses broadcasting regulations and copyright laws, aiming to promote cultural expression and protect intellectual property rights.

Key Legal Framework:

Broadcasting Act 2010: This Act establishes the regulatory environment for broadcasting services in Samoa, setting objectives to:

Facilitate the development of the broadcasting sector to promote social and economic growth.

Ensure universal access to broadcasting services at affordable prices.

Encourage the introduction of advanced and innovative broadcasting technologies.

Promote local production and broadcast of public service programs.

Establish a framework to prevent anti-competitive conduct within the broadcasting sector.

Copyright Act 1998 (Act No. 25 of 1998): This legislation provides protection for the rights of creators in literary, artistic, and musical works. Key provisions include:

Economic and Moral Rights: Recognizes the rights of authors and creators over their works, including rights to reproduction, distribution, and public performance, as well as moral rights to attribution and integrity.

Protection of Performers and Producers: Extends protection to performers (such as musicians and actors) and producers of sound recordings, ensuring their rights are recognized and enforced.

Application of International Treaties: Aligns Samoa's copyright laws with international conventions, ensuring that international treaties in respect of copyright and related rights prevail in case of conflict with local provisions.

Recent Developments:

Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Controversy: In February 2025, the Miss Pacific Islands beauty contest in the Solomon Islands became embroiled in controversy when Samoa's Litara Ieremia-Allan was declared the winner. The decision followed a tie-breaking vote by chief judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, a Samoan national. This led to allegations of vote rigging, death threats, and diplomatic tensions between Samoa and Tonga. The Solomon Islands government initiated an investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities, while the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Board condemned the abuse directed at contestants and judges.