Media Council of Papua New Guinea today (June 4) released a statement on media saying PNG citizens should speak up and protect their voice.
“In recent weeks, we have seen members of Parliament questioning the integrity of the mainstream media in Papua New Guinea.” the statement said.
“In our biggest year as international hosts to some of the most powerful nations on the planet; under a theme of harnessing inclusive opportunities and embracing a digital future, we find this disheartening.”
PNG Media Council said they have also seen what they feel is the start to leaders censoring public access to avenues of public expression. It is something they said they cannot sit idly by, and let continue without challenge.
The Council mentioned that the first instance was that of a statement made by the Information, Communication and Technology Minister regarding the potential restriction of popular Social Media platform Facebook in Papua New Guinea.
“While we appreciate that there is available content on Facebook that is classified illegal and deemed detrimental to the future of our people, we feel that any attempt to censor, curb, or restrict our people’s protected right to freedom of expression in any form, is an attack against our freedom as the media.”
Concerns were raised by the Council regarding the Member for Madang making revelations about a journalist operating in his district, who he alleges was paid money from public funds.
“It is unfortunate, and we urge the Member for Madang to make available this information to authorities.” PNG Media Council said.
“The Media’s role in PNG continues to be to report on the truth, and to highlight areas of national good and governance that are not working as they should be.
According to the statement, PNG Media Council stated that media practitioners in the country continue to uphold the values of good, honest, journalism, without fear or favour. Thus, to have members of parliament label the collective Media industry as tainted by the actions of a few who have strayed from the path, is extremely unfortunate.
“Our statement is addressed to the people of Papua New Guinea, because it is with your voice that our leaders speak on the floor of parliament. It is your voice that you have a guaranteed freedom to use, on any media platform of your choice. And it is your voice, which we carry as the PNG media. We urge you to fight to keep that voice.
Speak up to the leaders you voted in as your parliamentary representatives. Speak up if you see poor conduct on the part of your leader.
It is You they serve. And it is YOUR rights, they should be protecting. Not their own” PNG Media Council concluded.
