The Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, while acknowledging the significant role of the media in national development, urges media houses to continue to uphold ethics and standards in their reporting of news stories. The prime minister, when meeting with senior journalists and reporters on Monday 23rd December in Port Moresby city, said he wanted to see this legacy protected, maintained and passed on to following generations as the country faces 50 years of nationhood. However, the Prime Minister also called on the media to be more accountable, balanced and accurate in its dissemination of information. “We all have a role to play and the media, in as far as democracy is concerned, has a very important role in maintaining and preserving our democracy, and shedding light into spaces that light needs to be shed on,’’ said Prime Minister Marape. “As we face the 50th anniversary, let me place on record the government’s appreciation to all our news outlets and journalists who have served in our country’s media profession up till today. “No right-thinking government leader in a democratic nation will enter in the space of sabotaging freedom of media. Freedom of media must be maintained. “We live in a world that is now fast changing from what it was 10 years ago. Today, for instance, social media runs ahead of you. Social media is not a good reference point. You have to put your finger on real news that is released by our news outlets that has greater accountability.” Prime Minister Marape noted the challenges facing the media outlets in light of social media, highlighting his government willingness to work with the media next year on these areas and encouraged the Media Council of PNG to work with his government on these areas of concern. He also highlighted the need for the PNG media to work with Government more collaboratively in addressing issues affecting the country. He said as the Government continues to work at putting in reforms in the country’s democratic institutions, such as the police, higher courts and magisterial services, he wants to see more supporting role from the country’s media to strengthen these reforms. The Prime Minister said the responsibility before this generation of Papua New Guineans in all institutions and sectors to carry forward the work begun by Sir Michael Somare and his fellow leaders, is great.