News dissemination to the vast majority remains a challenge by the media in Papua New Guinea in terms of creating dialogue and debate amongst the masses.
With the demand for information and also changes seen with the introduction of the internet and social media, radio remains the medium of communication that reaches the majority says an academic from the University of Papua New Guinea.
Senior Law Lecturer Signe Dalsgaard said the media has a challenge in creating debate because 75 percent of Papua New Guineans do not understand written English.
She made these comments while speaking during a media gathering in Port Moresby last night that was hosted by the European Union and United Nations.
She spoke of how a man from a rural area of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville heard news on the radio regarding the UPNG Student unrest last year- information that was communicated to them on the radio.
Dalsgaard said democracy is when all citizens participate in society and giving voice to the society is critical in democracy.
She challenged the media to create justice by ensuring the majority of the people understand the issues at hand.
“The media must also represent the side of everyone to maintain peace and social democracy,” She added.