The Australian Government is dismissing concerns from some Pacific media operators angry at the way AusAID is setting up its Pacific Media Communications Facility.
The editor of the Fiji Sun newspaper, Russell Hunter, says it has been difficult getting information about the Facility, which he thought was to provide training for journalists but he says its a vehicle for implementing good governance in the region.
However AusAID's Assistant Director for the Pacific, Margaret Thomas, says they have been widely consultative and open about the programme's aim of supporting governance in the Pacific.
"Having a strong media and having a media that can report on government, accountability and transparency issues is a very important contribution to good governance and this is what this programme is trying to do."
Mr Hunter says they are also annoyed that AusAID is conducting a survey of needs, which is not necessary and insulting.
Ms Thomas says taking part in the survey is optional but so far 165 people in 14 countries have spoken with them.