The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has slammed the country's media in a lengthy statement to parliament.
The comments were included in a speech that also sharply criticised the work of watchdog group, the Forum Solomon Islands International.
Mr Sogavare says his Government supports media freedom and the way it is keeping the country informed.
But he says many news reports are not factual and he has promised to root out staff in his office who are revealing stories to the media.
The Prime Minister says if there are not checks on bad reporting the Solomons risks creating a society with no respect for authority.
Since the election late last year the Forum Solomon Islands International has raised concerns about many actions by the Government but the Prime Minister has dismissed this and says as a listed charity the NGO should not be involving itself in political matters.
Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins