Tongan Media Leaders leave PNG shores after intense week of learning

MALO MCPNG: Tongan Media Leaders Head of Delegation, Viliami Falekaono (Centre), and Veteran Tongan Journalist and President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Kalafi Moala (Right) present MCPNG President Neville Choi and the Media Council with a special gift from Tonga. Pic: PACMAS

A DELEGATION of Tongan Media Leaders led by the Media Association of Tonga (MAT) has left Port Moresby satisfied after an intense week of learning from visits to various mainstream media organisations and engaging with the Media Council of Papua New Guinea.

In a first ever formal exchange and dialogue between the media sectors of different Pacific Countries, the visit was supported by the Australian Government through ABC International Development and its media support programmes, the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) and the Media Development Initiative (MDI).

Arriving late on a Tuesday, the delegation’s first engagement was the next day as guests at the Media Council of PNG’s first PNG National Press Club event for the year.

PRESS CLUB: The Tongan Media Delegation pose for a picture after being guests at the Council’s first Press Club event for the year. Pic: PACMAS

The event, hosted at the Lamana Hotel, featured ACT NOW PNG’s Eddie Tanago speaking on Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation legal suits, and how they are a threat to media freedom, and freedom of speech.

Engaging in asking questions of the Press Club speaker, and later having a debrief of the Press Club with MCPNG President, Neville Choi, the delegation members began their week of learning about the media in PNG.

An official Dialogue with the Media Council of PNG and several Media Member Editors covered issues ranging from membership management, training, and challenges on ethics and standards.

A visit to the University of Papua New Guinea’s Journalism School gave them an insight into media training and learning.

The Delegation visited Wantok Niuspepa, the country’s only Church-run weekly tok pisin newspaper, identifying with their affinity to church-supported idea.

UPNG: An official photograph in the UPNG Council Room with Journalism Department Staff. Pic: PACMAS

They also visited PNGFM, home of NauFM, YumiFM, LegendFM and PNG Hausbung, and the National Broadcasting Corporation and the results of their ongoing rebuilding efforts.

PNGFM: Outside PNGFM’s new office after their visit. Pic: PACMAS

The Delegation was led by President of the Media Association of Tonga (MAT), Viliame Falekaono, and Veteran Tongan Journalist and President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Kalafi Moala.

ON SET: The Women Media Leaders in the delegation pose for picture seated behind the NBC news desk on the studio set. Pic: PACMAS