Communication Arts (Journalism) students of Divine Word University, recently engaged with a team from BBC Media Action and the Media Council of Papua New Guinea in an insightful and interactive discussion on the future of journalism, professional development, media ethics, and the challenges facing the industry.
The participants also included the staff of Divine Word University Madang Campus and participants of the BBC Media Training Program, together with the Media Council of Papua New Guinea.
The visiting team included Mr. Neville Choi, President of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea; Mr. Matthew Vari, Digital Director of Post Courier Online, South Pacific Post Limited; Mr. Reilly Kanamon, Project Coordinator with BBC Media Action Papua New Guinea; and Ms. Belinda Kora, Secretary of Media Council, Lead and Founder of Papua New Guinea Women in Media and Journalist with ABC Asia Pacific Newsroom.
Addressing students from all year levels, the speakers shared valuable industry perspectives and encouraged aspiring journalists to prepare themselves for the evolving demands of the profession.
Mr. Neville Choi emphasized the need to support and develop the next generation of journalists, stating, “We need to empower young journalists and help push them into more senior roles through programs that develop leadership skills.”
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities and industry, noting that, “We are having conversations to bring universities, editors and industry together so that we can discuss the skills needed for today’s media landscape.”
Speaking on professional standards, Mr. Choi urged students to familiarize themselves with industry ethics, remarking, “Read the Code of Ethics. You are the batches that are going out now. You have to be better than us.”
He further stressed that “Media organizations have an obligation to protect the welfare, safety and wellbeing of their staff.”
Mr. Mathew Vari outlined the growing importance of digital journalism in today’s media landscape, noting the gap in digital journalism knowledge across the industry.
“There is a problem in the industry with the lack of digital journalism knowledge” he said.
He expressed the view that universities should consider incorporating Digital Journalism into their curricula to better prepare graduates for the demands of an increasingly digital and rapidly evolving media environment. Mr. Vari also urged students not to succumb to norms, but to question the reality of issues and situations around them, and to use their work as journalists to bring about positive change.
Ms. Belinda Kora shared her experiences as a journalist and advocate for women in media, discussing the challenges faced by women in the profession and the importance of preparation and independence in reporting. She advised students, “Prepare well before you go to a press conference. You should already know what you are trying to get out of that conference.”
She also encouraged future journalists to remain objective and not be influenced by external pressures while advocating for greater access to information and media freedom.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion between the guests, students, and staff, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and gain deeper insights into the changing media environment.
DWU Head of Department for Communication Arts (Journalism), Mr. Patrick Matbob, thanked the BBC Media Action and Media Council PNG team for taking the time to engage with students and staff. He acknowledged the value of such industry engagements in exposing students to current media issues, professional expectations, and emerging trends within the journalism profession, while helping to prepare them for successful careers in the media industry.
DWU thanks BBC Media Action and the Media Council of Papua New Guinea team for their visit and for inspiring the next generation of journalists through their expertise, guidance, and commitment to the development of media in Papua New Guinea.
