Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Director of KVZK-TV Aaron Hall has dismissed claims that he is still overseeing his media business while serving as a director for the Lemanu and Talauega Administration.

Prior to his appointment as a director, Hall owned a media outlet service called the Six84 Media. Samoa News received calls recently from members of the public and KVZK-TV staff citing concerns when the Director was on leave that he was “tending to his personal business”.

In response, the director vehemently denies these claims.

“My business Six84 Media offered online live streaming and filming services, easiest way to verify if the business has been operating while I was on leave is going on the Six84 Media social media pages and check for any activity.

“There is no activity during my requested leave and I hope this provides clarity to these claims. My business does not offer filming services anymore and it has been this way for almost half a year,” said Mr Hall in response to Samoa News questions.

In September, Hall was approved as Director of the Office of Public Information.

The issue about his personal business was raised when he appeared for confirmation before the Senate.

Senator Faaivae Iuli Godinet posed the question and Hall confirmed that he does have a private business and that he has separated himself from the business, in hopes that there’s no conflict of interest with the local KVZK-TV.

Fa’aivae further asked about having Fox News and Fox Sports on the government-owned television station.

Hall replied that they are currently negotiating contracts with big firms, such as CBS.

“And [we are] hooking up our transport equipment so that we could transport it via internet and moving away from satellite fiber to transport all channels down here,” he explained.

According to the Senate Resolution, Hall has more than 7 years experience in media/digital broadcasting and 12 years of management experience.

“He served as Deputy Director of the Office of Public Information beginning in 2021 and currently serves as Acting Director.

“Prior to that, he was CEO of his own media company. In all these roles he has embraced new technologies and demonstrated innovation.”

Hall said that it’s disappointing to learn of such allegations.

“It saddens me to hear these accusations against me and I hope people find it in their hearts to understand that at the prime of my business the calling to serve our people was stronger than running a successful business.

“There is no regret in taking up my public service as it was a calling from God to serve in this capacity.”

Since taking over as Director, there has been a significant change in the content aired by the government-owned TV station such as the daily news, local programming via its extensive archives and recently with the launch of their website.

KVZK-TV is a public government-owned broadcaster and is a subsidiary of the Office of Public Information, established in 1964.

The television station is not licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) though other stations on the island are; however, KVZK-TV complies with FCC rules and regulations, according to Wikipedia.