[2] JAWS is an independent body made up of local journalists working in the print, online, television and radio media.
It promotes the role of a free media in Samoan society, and protects the rights of journalists in Samoa.
JAWS is a legally registered incorporated society with the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour.
In 2008 the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) issued one statement in support of a complaint made by JAWS.
[6] In June 2020 it expressed surprise at discovering that the new Legislative Assembly of Samoa building did not include space for a press gallery.