The Media Development Initiative (MDI), a long-term development program, recently celebrated twenty years of its service in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
MDI works to support the role of media in the country as well as to enhance the role of media by promoting community engagement, supporting independent journalism, and improving access to information.
MDI is an Australian development assistance project, funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and managed by ABC International Development (ABCID).
Speaking during the 20th Anniversary on Thursday 17th of July, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, Ms. Penny Morton, spoke on the milestone that MDI has achieved and done in PNG.
She expressed that it was opportunity for MDI to reflect on the achievements and to celebrate the capacity building partnership between the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and to reaffirm the shared values and commitment they have towards media freedom.
In addition, MDI has also evolved to include a wide range of media organizations including the mainstream media, church-based media organizations and community-driven organizations.
“From its beginning when radio waves echoed across PNG’s highlands and coastlines to today’s digital age where stories are told through smartphones and screens across the globe, we have been on a shared journey of learning and transformation.”
“This is a partnership that has empowered journalists, elevated standards and expanded the reach of credible community-based journalism.”
“For the past two years, we have marked exciting chapters with the presentations of Mobile Journalism kits or Mojo Kits; a symbol of how far we’ve come and where we are headed together.”
She further expressed that these kits are more than just equipment, they are enablers of innovation in which allows journalists to report from remote areas to capture stories in real time and to do so with professionalism.
“We are proud to work with you as we celebrate PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary and we look ahead to the future.”
Furthermore, she thanked all partners for the collaboration and the commitment towards media in the country with twenty years of Media development Initiative’s input in the country, and to many more stories to be told.