PM Commits to protecting media freedom
PRIME Minister James Marape says he is determined to ensure that the media in Papua New Guinea remains free and independent, while asking media personnel to be responsible in their important role in supporting democracy.
The Prime Minister said this during an end of year engagement with the media fraternity in Port Moresby on Monday, December 23rd, 2024.
While reflecting on what 2025 would bring as the 50th Independence Anniversary year for Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Marape said it was only right that the media be acknowledged for all it has contributed to nation-building.
““I want to register on record, government’s appreciation to those who served in your occupation from 1975 up until today as we face our 50th Anniversary. Let me place on record the government’s appreciation for all our news outlets and all the journalists who have served in our country’s media profession up to today. Thankyou very much. ”
“I want to give you our full assurance that my government will not dilute the media’s role. In fact, freedom of media is a rich product of any good democracy. I want to spell it out…that your role will be preserved and protected, especially the freedom of speech we have. No right-thinking leader of a free world or a democratic nation would enter into the space of sabotaging freedom of media.
COMMITMENT: “Freedom of media must be maintained and will be maintained,” Prime Minister Marape told a room full of journalists and editors. - Pic: PM’s Media Unit
While answering questions from each of the media outlet representatives present, Mr. Marape also asked for the media to be responsible in its role as a defender of democracy and discourse, and to be the standard against unregulated forms of media.
“Today, social media runs ahead of you. And sometimes, social media is a place where, and I tell many of my colleagues and many people, that social media is not a good reference point.”
Mr. Marape urged citizens to look to credible mainstream news outlets to get the facts, instead of relying on social media.
“You have to put your fingers on real news that is released by our news outlets. We have to recognize these outlets because they have a greater sense of accountability than social media outlets,” Mr. Marape said.
During a panel discussion with representatives of the Media Council of PNG, Council Member and Digital Editor of Post-Courier, Matthew Vari, and MCPNG Secretary Belinda Kora, Mr. Marape reiterated government’s wish to get expert guidance from the MCPNG and industry on the best way to independently develop and strengthen PNG media.
Mr. Vari, responding to a question on where the media in PNG sits regarding adapting to developing digital media trends, gave reassurance that all modes of media in PNG were already adapting to presenting news in the digital space.
MEDIA TALK: Media Council representatives, Matthew Vari, Digital Director - Post-Courier (left), and Belinda Kora, MCPNG Secretary (right) joined Prime Minister in a panel discussion on the role and future of the media in the development of the country. Pic - PM’s Media Unit
“We are now living in a space where online is now dominant. More or less, it has become an enemy to traditional media. But if you look at all the traditional mediums that we have right now, everyone is moving into the online space. And I think Prime Minister, you should be very pleased with your local media industry, because even the weeklies are also moving into that space. Think of us as a reference point in the sense that we all know the dangers of social media. We all know its unverified, but it is becoming a vibrant space for us, and personally for me a traditional newspaper man to jump on to developing our online platform, is pretty much acknowledging that fact.
It is important that we support our mainstream media, and that we support its independence. And Mr. Prime Minister, I am humbled by your words about this and I know my colleagues feel the same way,” Mr. Vari said.
He also referred to the Council’s efforts in updating its Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, which now includes areas of development in media, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence, and guidelines on how to effectively and ethically operate online.
“There is this tendency to assume that AI is a danger to journalism, but there is the extent where AI can assist as well. AI will never be as good as the human element, so it is vital that we must always try to work with the changing dynamics in the media space. And as long as we change with it, we should be safe,” Mr. Vari said.
Speaking on the MCPNG’s role moving forward in partnership with government for verified and reliable information, MCPNG Secretary Belinda Kora suggested for government media to be more proactive in providing information and access to government decision-makers to the media.
“With your address, I must appreciate your comments that the media remains an important partner for government in this very unique democracy in the Pacific. It is important that what you said in your speech, is also reflected by the public service machinery. The fourth estate depends of access to important information. Accessibility to this vital information can fight misinformation,” Ms. Kora said to Prime Minister Marape.
“We need accuracy in order to disseminate information that is factual.”
Ms. Kora also reminded Prime Minister Marape that the media is made up of PNG citizens who were patriotic to the core.
“In this room you have reporters, and you also have very patriotic citizens. I must remind you of that. We are proud to be Papua New Guineans. But we must not forget that our role is also important. To not only keep the government accountable, but to ensure that goods and services are being delivered to the people that matter.”
