PNG MEDIA COUNCIL TAKES A SWIPE AT MADANG MP BRYAN KRAMER FOR WAGING A 'STOP BUYING' CAMPAIGN AGAINST TWO DAILIES ON FACEBOOK

WAR ON DAILIES, A TEST OF TRUTH - MEDIA COUNCIL RESPONDS TO MADANG MP'S CALL FOR BOYCOTT OF DAILIES

"We cannot allow one single attack on a reporter, redefine the efforts of the 4th estate in the country, because it is a breach against the Freedom of the Press in ensuring it continues to observe political process, inform, and deliver on its role in an increasingly challenging environment,” said Media Council PNG President, Neville Choi in a media statement.

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea is concerned about the move by Madang MP, Bryan Kramer, in kick starting a protest against the country’s two daily newspapers (Post Courier and The National) because of what he brands as “corrupt” activities within these two mediums that contribute to “fake news” on a daily basis.

It is concerned about the interest and rights of the majority of its Members, including the hard-working and honest journalists of these two organizations and the impact such a campaign will have on their reputation and hard work.

What is more worrying is the fact that this protest is being carried out on the social media platform Facebook, which the MCPNG believes is hurting not only the two daily newspapers concerned, but the rest of the mainstream media in PNG.

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea, despite calls for individuals, organizations, parties and leaders to come forward with evidence of corruption against any of our Members’ employees, has not received one single evidence to date.

“We cannot allow one single attack on a reporter, redefine the efforts of the 4th estate in the country, because it is a breach against the Freedom of the Press in ensuring it continues to observe political process, inform, and deliver on its role in an increasingly challenging environment,” said President, Neville Choi.

The Media in PNG remains a solid member of society which influences mindsets and change for the betterment of our people. It is a proactive partner to all national efforts to encourage positive change and development. It is not part of any political agenda, and to classify the whole of the mainstream media as being biased and influenced, is frankly, offensive to the hardworking and honest members of the industry.

The Media’s role in PNG is simple and must be clearly understood, “it serves the interest of the people and future of Papua New Guinea”.

With regard to the allegations raised by the Madang MP about journalists being paid public funds, the MCPNG, in a previous statement, encouraged the MP to provide what evidence he has to relevant authorities, to establish the facts.

Under its ambit, the MCPNG can only advise its members to ensure their reporters approach their jobs with fearless intent, and do not fall victims to any form of bias.

“If there are any practicing journalists who have taken money to influence their writing, then there is no place for them in the industry. We encourage our members to be ruthless in ensuring that their news teams are beyond influence.”

To ensure that all media practitioners are practicing transparently, the Council regularly encourages compliance by its members to the PNG Media Code of Ethics.

“Having journalists and reporters of high integrity, honesty and self-respect are the mainstays of our business. While our people are being ‘influenced’ by mostly invalidated information on social media, the mainstream media continues to do what it has done for decades. Report the news with integrity and honesty.”

MEDIA COUNCIL president Neville Choi

PNG still enjoys a vibrant media despite welfare and training challenges media fraternity fends off to raise the bar

BETTER PAY CONDITIONS, TRAINING A CATALYST FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM: PNG MEDIA COUNCIL OF PNG

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

Secretary of PNG Media council  Belinda Kora