Secretary of PNG Media Council explains on her Facebook timeline that comments by the Parliamentary Opposition regarding allegations of a female reporters being paid to write biased stories for certain MPs is concerning for me as the Secretary of the PNG Media Council of PNG.
It is a statement that tarnishes the image of the 4th Estate or an unofficial fourth arm of government, which is supposed to be independent, free and fair in its daily news writings.
Yes, I will not deny that it is happening in our newsrooms and former executives may not have been able to do their part effectively in dealing with newsrooms concerned, but ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
The new executives of the Council will no longer tolerate such embarrassing statements to be made against the industry and those who have worked hard to build its reputation over the years, especially those who are still to join the fraternity.
The Council will finalize a statement by next week, including an email to newsrooms (members) to ensure they are not letting such acts dictate its Editorial focus on a day-to-day basis and if reporters are caught (with evidence) somewhat breaking their own code of ethics, they must be managed accordingly by their Editors/Management.
Firstly, if anyone/organisation, including MPs have evidence of such in future, please do come forward by emailing me/inboxing me here or calling me directly.
There is also a PNG Media Workers Association that is directly concerned with improving standards of reporting by the 4th Estate and ensuring reporters are given help they need in terms of their welfare and training.
For my fellow colleagues, I re-call my former GM,Peter John Aitsi's advice: "If the media wants to fight corruption through its stories, it must first fight its own corrupt habits, this is when it can gain the TRUST of its readers/listeners and viewers."
The Media remains a POWERFUL tool in today's demand for information/answers/solutions and we must WORK together to remove any form of doubt against our role.
#freedomofexpression #reportersrights #freedomfighters
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| Secretary of PNG Media council Belinda Kora |
