The operations of national broadcaster NBC has been put under the spotlight once again, this time during this morning’s question time in Parliament.
In a series of questions to Communications Minister Renbo Paita, South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu asked if the Minister was aware of several issues within the national broadcaster.
Among them, the self-appointment of NBC Chairman after his term had expired in March this year, and of the purported undervalued sale of land belonging to NBC at its Five Mile Headquarter.
In directing his questions to Minister Paita, South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu asked if the Minister was aware of an audit report into the affairs of NBC, that had uncovered several questionable deals – among them the purported undervalued sale of land adjacent to NBC’s Five Mile Headquarter in Port Moresby.
The Minister also questioned on how he would deal with the Board of NBC, given that their term had expired in March this year – but with the Chiarman continuing to hold office to today.
In response, Minister Paita acknowledged receipt of an audit report into NBC, and gave an undertaking to follow-up with this report, and to take action against those implicated.
“I have asked KTH as well as those in my department to ensure that those allegations are evidence based”
The Minister also placing on record that the process in cleaning up the operations of national broadcasters, NBC, and EMTV, had begun, with announcements to be made soon.
“I’ve written to the KTH Board and even the NBC Board, even EMTV, asking for all positions not to be reappointed, awaiting the restructures that we are doing under the KTH and under the direction of cabinet provided by (the ) Prime Minister”
The Communications Minister was also questioned on whether State-Owned broadcasters would be broadcasting in South Bougainville, especially in this crucial period leading up to the referendum on Bougainville.
By Meriba Tulo, EMTV News, Port Moresby
