Independent Complaints Tribunal

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea ensures accountability among its members through a self-regulated complaints management process.

  • The ICT upholds professional standards by addressing public complaints about breaches of the Media Council's Code of Ethics. Complaints may involve issues like editorial accuracy, impartiality, fairness, or respect for vulnerable groups. Only complaints related to ethical breaches are considered, not general grievances.

  • Each year, the MCPNG appoints four media and four non-media members to the ICT, ensuring fairness and community representation. Complaints are reviewed by a panel of three members from this group.

  • Start by addressing your complaint to the media organization involved, clearly identifying the issue. If unresolved, submit a written complaint to the ICT, either directly or through a representative.
    Send complaints to:
    Email: [INSERT URL]
    Mail:
    Independent Complaints Tribunal
    Media Council of Papua New Guinea
    P.O. Box 1980, Vision City Post Office
    Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea.

  • Initial Review: A panel of three ICT members will first determine if the complaint falls within its terms of reference, specifically relating to breaches of the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

    Fair Assessment: If accepted, the panel will review the complaint impartially, considering all relevant perspectives.

    Transparency: All parties will be kept informed of the inquiry's progress and the expected timeline for a decision.

    Written Report: The panel will provide the Media Council with a detailed report outlining its conclusions, reasoning, and recommendations.

    Publication of Outcomes: The Media Council will publish the decision through media releases, Council publications, and in its Annual General Meeting report.

    Enforcement: Under its constitution, the Council may suspend or expel members who refuse to comply with ICT recommendations or act against the Council's interests.

  • The Constitution of the Media Council of PNG (section 15) lays out the purpose and the terms of reference for the Independent Complaints Tribunal (ICT).

    All members of the Council must comply with the Constitution and its principles of industry self-regulation expressed through the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, and the Tribunal.

  • Terms of reference for the ICT are as follows.

    The Independent Complaints Tribunal shall be empowered to consider and adjudicate on complaints lodged by the general public:

    1. that arise from an alleged breach or breaches of a code of ethics or code or practice adopted and administered by the Council for the purpose of industry self-regulation;

    2. that remain unresolved or the outcomes contested, having first been referred to the media organisation or media practitioner(s) responsible for the publication, broadcast tor post that was the subject of complaint.

    Membership of the Independent Complaints Tribunal shall comprise eight persons – four members of the Media Council and four public members:

    1. members shall be appointed from a list of nominees presented to the Council’s annual general meeting, for terms of one year, and be eligible for re-appointment;

    2. candidates for appointment shall be adult persons of good standing with knowledge of media practice and/or a background in fields such as law, commerce, health, public administration or civil society;

    3. one public member of the Tribunal shall be appointed as its Convenor, who will liaise with the Council Secretariat on matters associated with the procedures, coordination and administration of the Tribunal’s functions;

    4. each complaint shall be considered by a panel of not fewer than three persons drawn from the eight-member Tribunal – a chairperson and at least one person from a media background and one representing the public interest.

    1. accept and register written complaints lodged by the general public or persons nominated to represent individuals who are not able to express their complaints in writing;

    2. determine whether complaints fall within the terms of reference of the Tribunal; that is, whether they relate to alleged breaches of a code of ethics or code of practice adopted and administered by the Council;

    3. In the first instance, ensure that complaints have been or are referred to the media organisations or practitioners concerned, so they may endeavor, in good faith, to resolve matters directly;

    4. convene panels of the Tribunal to adjudicate on and mediate between complainants and the media subjects of their complaints, listening carefully and communicating clearly on matters of process and timeframes;

    5. review complaints fairly and honestly, taking account of all relevant points of view, while ensuring complainants and respondents are kept informed about progress and the likely timeframe of resolution.

    6. having adjudicated complaints, provide written statements outlining the judgement, the reasons for any decisions taken or consequent recommendations made to one or more of the parties involved, and to the Council;

    7. ensure that the outcomes of all adjudications are published in the form of media releases and notices in Council publications;

    8. advise and make recommendations to the Council to ensure that information about the role and processes of the Tribunal are transparent and readily accessible by the general public;

    9. provide advice to the Council on any matters pertaining to the integrity and effectiveness of the complaints management system, which may include the implications of media trends or debates about media and democracy, changing community standards or expectations, and the need to review or amend a code of ethics/code of practice.

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