The cabinet has officially given the green light to the PNG media policy, which will soon be presented to Parliament for formal enactment.
Minister for Information and Communication Technology [ICT] Timothy Masiu, believes this policy will address the ongoing concerns about sensationalism, ethical standards, and the portrayal of violence in the media.
In an interview with NBC News in Port Moresby, Minister Masiu outlined the urgent need for a shift in the nation’s media practices.
“We must be more responsible in how we report and portray the issues that matter most to our country. It’s time for Papua New Guinea’s media to evolve and reflect the values that truly define us.
“Sensational headlines, graphic images of violence, and depictions of suffering do nothing to build our national identity. They only hurt our reputation globally,” Masiu said.
Minister Masiu said the policy aims to regulate sensitive contents and shift towards more constructive and informative coverage.
According to Masiu, the policy’s long-term goal is to protect the public from harmful content while empowering journalists to play a positive role in nation-building.
“This policy isn’t about stifling press freedom. It’s about ensuring that media in Papua New Guinea serves the public good by upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism,” Masiu said.
Meanwhile, the policy also acknowledges the media’s significant influence on public opinion and its role in national development.
Masiu added that once the policy is passed into law, it will become a guiding framework for media institutions across the nation, laying the foundation for a new era of journalism in Papua New Guinea.
