Final year Public Relations class 1 Journalism students from the University of Papua New Guinea today kicked off celebrations with a road show awareness in commemoration of World Media Freedom Day.
This event marked the importance of free press as a lead up to the day’s program which will end in the evening.
World Press/Media Freedom Day is important because it increases awareness about the importance of press freedom highlighting the critical role that journalists and media outlets play in promoting democracy, and human rights.
Out of the 87 PR Class 1 students, PNG HAUSBUNG caught up with three of the students. Gregory Wesley said today is all about the celebration of the freedom of the press.
“Whatever that’s going on in the government, the people need to know about things that are happening in the country.”
“And as a journalist we have to give out the right information without suppression from the government or anyone that wants to overturn the right to information.”
Bramo Tinkira said Media Freedom Day is all about the celebration for free press and a day to also remember past journalists who passed on during their time of service.
Meanwhile, Benson Wema told PNG HAUSBUNG this day is very important to him as we take time to remember those that were in the front line reporting on such important events.
“As a young journalist, we must live up to that standard. Media plays a powerful role in society today.”
“Many times, we can see that the media is influenced by political agendas and that drives the truth away from the light.”
“World Media Freedom Day is just for us to strengthen those channels of communications and the government should also look at ways to support the channel of communication.”
He further stressed that the government should advocate more about World Media Freedom day and the importance of the role it plays in disseminating factual information.