Sincha Dimara, News Editor of Inside PNG, was honoured at the East-West Center’s International Media Conference yesterday. Recognised for her courageous journalism, Dimara demonstrated the impact EWC media program participants have had across Asia and the Pacific region.
Dimara’s journey to this accolade began with her suspension by Papua New Guinea’s largest TV station during an investigation into a controversial Australian businessman and convicted drug dealer. This led to a newsroom walkout by 24 journalists in solidarity, resulting in the entire team being fired.
Undeterred, Dimara and her colleagues founded Inside PNG, an independent online news service. Owned and operated by its journalists and content producers, Inside PNG aims to deliver an independent news source for Papua New Guineans, maintaining its commitment to journalistic integrity and freedom.
“This award reflects the East-West Center’s commitment to the critical role of journalism in fostering good governance and healthy and free societies,” said Glenn van Zutphen, founder and CEO of Van Media Group in Singapore, who was the master of ceremonies.
Highlighting the important role of fearless journalism in holding power to account and shining light in dark places, Dimara was among seven journalists honoured at the banquet, including Tom Grundy, Editor-in-Chief & Founder for Hong Kong Free Press; Alan C. Miller Founder for America’s News Literacy Project; John Nery, Philippines Columnist and Editorial Consultant at Rappler; Ana Marie Pamintuan, Editor-in-Chief of the Philippine Star; Kamal Siddiqi, former Director of News for Pakistna’s Aaj TV; and Soe Myint, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director for Mizzima in Thailand.
