The future of Papua New Guinea’s media policy remains unclear, according to the president of the PNG Media Council, Neville Choi. The 2023 National Media Development Policy, now in its fifth draft, has faced heavy criticism but aims to promote freedom of expression and media development in the country.
The policy seeks to strengthen both public and private media, enhance media training, and encourage self-regulation. Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu, stated in the policy’s foreword that the media landscape has evolved significantly, highlighting the importance of ensuring credibility in modern media.
However, Choi told RNZ Pacific that the media sector has received limited communication from Masiu or Steven Matainaho, the Secretary for the Department of Information Communication Technology. “The last time it was discussed was during the special parliamentary committee that looked into the media in PNG,” Choi said.
While the policy aims to align with international standards, Choi pointed out that Matainaho’s current focus appears to be on the national digital transformation program, leaving the media sector uncertain about the government’s next steps regarding the policy.
Source: RNZ