Prime Minister James Marape this evening told PNG HAUSBUNG that he has given direction to his Office and his Chief of Staff to find out what is happening with the termination of Kalang Advertising Limited’s (FM100) Talkback Host and Government Relations Manager Mr. Cullighan Tanda.
In an interview with this newsroom, Prime Minster Marape said he had provided this instruction and further added his direction to the FM 100 officials to disclose what has happened and to advise what the wrongdoing committed is.
After a 3-week suspension without pay, Kalang Advertising Limited’s Cullighan Tanda was today notified upon his resumption of duties, of his termination from the organization.
Tanda had earlier responded with serious concerns following his three-weeks suspension without pay issued by Kalang Advertising Limited (FM100) on April 22, 2025, making these concerns known in a formal letter addressing to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Bill Wartovo, questioning the fairness, transparency, and possible external influence behind the disciplinary action.
The veteran broadcaster’s response highlighted critical procedural issues such as the specific policy he allegedly breached.
The formal response had argued that his suspension resulted from the alleged lack of prior notice regarding East Sepik Governor Allan Bird’s appearance on the FM100 Talkback Show.
Just last Friday May 9th 2025, Tanda attended a Special Parliamentary Committee session on Communications to provide further clarity on what had transpired.
The session was led by Chairman Marsh Nerewec and Committee Member Governor Sasindran Muthuvel.
During the session, Media Council President Mr. Neville Choi identified that it is not the first time this has happened to media professionals under Telikom PNG.
Mr Choi pointed out that James Guken of EMTV was also terminated after writing an article quoting Allan Bird.
Meanwhile, it is understood the Media Council of Papua New Guinea will also issue a statement on this matter.
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