MCPNG Ready to Discuss Future of Independent Media with PM Marape

READY TO MEET: MCPNG President Neville Choi says issues to be addressed include establishing a paygrade system for media practitioners in the mainstream, and stronger developmental pathways for journalists. Pic: MCPNG

MCPNG President Neville Choi says the Council is ready to meet with Prime Minister James Marape to discus the future of independent media in PNG.

Mr. Choi said it was positive to hear Mr. Marape voice his support for a free, robust, but understandably, responsible media for PNG.

“The Council is ready to meet with Prime Minister Marape to begin what we hope will be a continued collaboration to ensure that the media in PNG is supported in its noble efforts to remain self-regulating, and to ensure that government is able to support the sector in improving the welfare and safety of media practitioners in the country.

“One area of focus which would need favourable government support, would be in the establishing of a competitive remuneration regime for the media sector, followed by a stronger focus also on tailor-made training pathways to improve all levels in the hierarchy of media newsrooms in PNG,” an optimistic Mr. Choi said.

The Council has been on a rebuilding drive since 2022.

It began with a review and updating of its Constitution, and as of the close of 2024, it had completed a review and updating of its Code of Conduct and Professional Practice.

The Code was endorsed at the Council’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in November, making it the recognized standard for media in PNG.

The Council also announced the confirmation of the membership of its Independent Complaints Tribunal, the main complaints management mechanism for the industry, and a vital component of media self-regulation.

A natural next step for the MCPNG is the enabling of an accreditation mechanism to capture all media member personnel operating in the country, with scope which includes accreditation for all foreign media based in Port Moresby, or visiting on media reporting assignments.

“The Council has been working well with the Department of Information Communications and Technology in the finalization of the National Development Policy. Once of the main recommendations contained in this policy is support for the professional development of journalists and media personnel in the country. That should be one conversation starter as well,” Choi says.

The Council is hopeful that the Prime Minister’s commitment for dialogue includes all areas that can help recognize journalism as an honourable profession built on integrity and accountability, and a stronger future for media in Papua New Guinea.