“Journalists and other media personnel who risk their lives every day in pursuit of the truth, and to inform our citizens, must be respected and protected.”
That’s from the Media Council of Papua New Guinea after the injuring of an NBC journalist and a cameraman from a stray bullet fired allegedly during an eviction exercise at 9-Mile outside Port Moresby.
The journalist was part of a media contingent on a PNG Power event which took place at the Edevu Hydro Dam and included a tour down to the Moitaka Power Plant where the incident occurred. The stray bullet grazed an NBC cameraman and left the female NBC journalist shot in her right forearm.
The MCPNG, commended PNG Power representatives who ensured that an ambulance was arranged to take the injured journalist to the hospital and who covered her treatment.
MCPNG further reminded public and corporate organizations that when the media is invited to cover an event into potentially hostile environments, all necessary precautions must be made to ensure their safety.
“The Council stands ready to work with the RPNGC and other law enforcement agencies to find ways that the media can be protected, rather than be caught in the crossfire.”
“This will take some time and work in sensitizing both the public, and the media, on their equally important roles in the pursuit of truth, information, and awareness.”
Meanwhile, the Media Council will also work to provide support to its members to ensure that counselling is available for media personnel who are witnesses in cases such as this.