World Press Freedom Day is marked annually on 3 May. Photo: 123RF
The media sector is unsure of the government's next steps on its proposed media policy, Papua New Guinea Media Council head says
The 2023 National Media Development Policy, which has been heavily criticised, is now in its fifth draft.
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The policy aims to promote, uphold and support principles of freedom of expression and information in PNG through the development of public and private media including media training and capacity building and supporting mechanisms of self-regulation.
"The media landscape has evolved from the traditional printing press, radio, television, internet to social media at unprecedented scale even while access is still a challenge to many," Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu writes in the foreward of the policy.
"It is relevant and timely to establish pathways around ensuring credibility in the modern media, encouraging quality of information and news access and reporting, appreciating the role and challenges, and holding media in general responsible and accountable."
According to the policy's executive summary, "it is about international best practice and national best fit to suit the developmental needs of Papua New Guinea".
However, Media Council of PNG president, Neville Choi, told RNZ Pacific the media has not heard a lot from the Masiu or the Secretary for the Department of Information Communication Technology, Steven Matainaho, regarding the policy.
"The last time when it was discussed was the recently special parliamentary committee that looked into the media in PNG," he siad.
Choi said he knows Matainaho is focusing on rolling out the national digital transformation program for the country.
