The Media Council of Papua New Guinea has expressed sadness at the passing of veteran radio broadcaster Roger Hau’ofa.
The popular FM100 talkback show host passed on late Saturday night at Iare village, in the Kairuku-Hiri District, Central Province.
The show is the country’s longest running radio talkback program with the late Hau’ofa its host for close to 30 years.
Expressing sadness at his passing, MCPNG president Alexander Rheeney said his death is a blow to broadcasting in PNG and robs radio listeners throughout the country of a talk-show host, who knew the issues affecting citizens and held leaders to account on air.
“The name Roger Hau’ofa is synonymous with talkback radio in PNG as he spoke with confidence, had a good voice for radio and knew the issues citizens wanted to raise,” said Rheeney.
“He is a legend of the airwaves and his passing is a blow to radio listeners throughout PNG.
“Papua New Guineans connected with Roger when he was on air as he greeted a lot of his callers in their tok ples, which gave them confidence and the ability to interact and engage.
“He was a maestro behind the microphone and will be missed by listeners.”
Rheeney passed on the council’s condolences and sympathies to the family of the late Roger Hau’ofa and said the PNG media industry joins them in mourning his passing.