​Officials interfering with newsrooms

​The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) has been alerted to incidents of officials calling newsrooms to interfere in independent editorial processes.

This has compelled journalists and news editors to self-censor news and consequently deny Papua New Guinean readers and viewers access to factual, balanced, impartial and objective reporting.  

Council president Alexander Rheeney said: “Last year had its challenges for media industry personnel and the first four months of this year appear to be no different to 2016, with news organisations alerting the MCPNG to two incidents of interference by those in authority.

“All news organisations have a mandate to provide the public with factual, balanced and objective reporting. These tenets of journalism are critical, especially in 2017 with Papua New Guineans preparing themselves to go to the polls next month to elect the country’s next crop of leaders.

“Papua New Guineans need a free and independent press to be informed and educated on the benefits of transparent and accountable leadership.”

In a statement, the Council said challenges remain for Papua New Guinea’s media industry despite an improved ranking of 51 in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, released by Reporters Without Borders.

The Council has welcomed the improved ranking from 55 in the 2016 index, but alerted the PNG Government to pleas for authorities to guarantee the safety of media personnel as they continue to face the threat of assault, harassment and intimidation in the course of gathering and reporting news. 

Author: 
Press release