“I will soon announce the 3rd draft of the National Media Development Policy 2023.”
“Prior to this, there will be a national survey, commencing this week. This survey will be available to public and stakeholders through the Department’s website and Facebook page, SMS Blasts and the general media to further gauge views of the public on key policy questions.”
“This is a wholesome and across the board review and reforms process in the information, communication and technology sector encompassing the many changes taking place globally and transcending into PNG.”
This is from Minister for Information & Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu in joining the global community celebrate Media Freedom Day today.
Minister Masiu highlighted the important role that media played in the country’s development adding that this role must be bigger and more robust.
He said the issue of lack of support to journalism training, Media institutional support, Media remuneration and workplace support and capacity building and the need to protect media workers especially journalist requires attention in the region and PNG is no different.
“As you are aware, the government is now amongst its various review and reforms, also looking into the media industry in the country.”
He said the government through this review and reform also want to strengthen the country’s media sector and the support of Journalism Schools in various institutions throughout the country and more importantly to see where they can play their role in improving the welfare and security of the media.
This being especially for the Journalism Profession and to allow journalists to write without fear and favour while being accountable and responsible.
He said the media influences the public by sharing news with an opinionated perspective.
“The personal values of owners and operations of media businesses impact the information shared.”
Masiu said the personal perspectives of reporters influence the stories they cover and the personal spins they interject into stories.
“Technological advances provide venues to reach a larger audience than was possible in years past.”
“The media in PNG has also raised these pertinent issues as a serious detriment to a more robust and competitive media environment affecting the profession and standards of media and journalism in the country.”
“I therefore want to again reassure all stakeholders and especially the media industry and the Journalism profession that I stand strong and steadfast in my desire to reform the media landscape in the country.”
This government seeks to protect media freedom and to strengthen the resolve to make media a more professional, dynamic, and competitive and to strengthen its freedom and protection and access to information.
“This is clearly indicated in our governments passage of the ‘Whistle Blowers’ Act and our effort to properly establish by policy and law, the ‘Access to Information’ law and other enabling policy and law to fight and expose corruption.”
Following the survey, will be regional workshops and a final validation workshop for key stakeholders.
“I intend, following the survey and validation workshop, to bring submission to the National Executive Council by the end of May and or early June 2023 for approval of the National Media Development Policy.”
Masiu also paid tribute to those in the media fraternity who has passed on and to encourage all who continue to work in the profession to continue to work hard to strengthen our overall resolve for a free and vibrant media.
“It is an important day and one we must always protect and cherish as media freedom is a critical and fundamental part of a striving and free democracy.”