The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) was amongst the participating agencies at the Transparency International PNG ‘Integrity and Action’ Exhibition held at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby city today.
MCPNG President Neville Choi was present at the MCPNG Booth to speak to participants of the exhibition specifically students from few schools in NCD.
Mr. Choi explained to the students and other exhibition participants about the role of the Media Council of PNG and also the role media play in society and in fighting corruption.
The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) was established back in 1985 and is a body responsible for the development of media and the regulator of media services in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The MCPNG’s purpose is to provide innovative solutions to strengthening the media in PNG.
It is also responsible for enhancing the capacity of the media, and acting as a “watchdog, agenda-setter and gatekeeper”.
In general, it is important for the MCPNG to participate in such an exhibition given the role media plays in fighting corruption in public institutions.
Here are some ways in which the media can act against corruption:
Inform and educate people about the detrimental effects of corruption and, through exposure, increase the political risk of those involved in corrupt practices.
Act as an indirect check on corruption by informing public debate in a way that enhances political and economic competition.
Hard-hitting independent journalism can act as an indirect check on corruption.
There is a strong correlation between the incidence of corruption and the extent to which the media is free.
Fierce competition for audiences means some media outlets aim to entertain and amuse than to inform and mobilize people for reform.