Hearing impaired citizens will be given equal opportunity to watch the daily news with the first-ever sign language interpreter to appear on TV news alongside the news presenter.
The pilot project will be launched on NBC TV, an initiative of the Department for Community Development, Youth and Religion (DFCDYR).
It is anticipated that the sign language can be utilised using all forms of media, with support from the government and donor partners.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday between DFCDYR and NBC.
DFCDYR, in partnership with the National Gaming and Control Board, through the O’Neill/Dion government, has allocated funds to cater for the sign language specialists to appear on TV news time.
K20,000 was presented by Community Development Minister Delilah Gore to NBC acting director Kora Nou, witnessed by the Red Cross Special Education Resource Centre, the PNG Deaf Association (PNGDA).
Gore said it is a milestone achievement for PNG and the hearing impaired citizens.
She said it is about taking some of those practical first steps to removing barriers that hinder accessibility.
Community Development secretary Anna Solomon said they want the listening impaired to begin to understand and comprehend what is happening in the country by watching the news.
Nou added that NBC is happy to be part of the project and is committed to making sure it is a success and looks forward to working with the sign language specialists.
The news telecast, featuring the first sign language interpreter, will be aired on Saturday, December 3, which is International Disability Day.
Jos Yembo from the PNGDA thanked DFCDYR for recognising their needs and NBC for making their rights real.