Papua New Guinea Opposition MP and East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird has issued a scathing rebuke of recent actions taken by government-linked entities against journalists, calling for a nationwide boycott of media companies tied to Telikom PNG.
“It is frightening the road our country is taking in relation to the ruling cartels actions against journalists,” Bird said in a strongly worded statement.
His comments follow the reported suspension of FM100 radio host Cullighan Tanda, who interviewed MP Bird in a segment the MP says became the station’s highest-rated show.
“I understand Cullighan Tanda was suspended after he interviewed me. The sad thing is that I have been a regular participant on FM100 since 2003 when the late Roger Hau’ofa flew to Madang to interview me at the Madang Resort. I have been supporting FM100 for more than 20 years,” he said.
Bird criticised FM100 management for failing to support their journalist, despite prior engagement with the station’s CEO before the broadcast.
“I am deeply disappointed in the way their management have responded especially when we met his CEO before the show and he could have objected then.”
He also referenced the recent termination of an EMTV journalist over coverage of the Section 145 court matter. “I have never met that reporter,” he added.
Calling for a passive protest, Bird urged citizens and businesses to pull all advertising from EMTV and to stop using Telikom PNG services, including FM100.
“I now make a call on all PNGeans to do a passive protest against these actions by government agents. Effective immediately, the public and private sector must stop advertising on EMTV and to stop using Telikom PNG. FM100 is owned by Telikom.”
“Let’s switch to other phone networks and let’s abandon EMTV. I believe EMTV is also owned by Telikom PNG. Who do these people think they are? Let’s show them people power.”
Bird pledged to sever his own business ties with Telikom PNG, saying he would move to Digicel and Vodafone.
“Enough is enough. Let’s cease our support of these businesses that act as an extension of government cartels that are suppressing our rights as citizens. Let’s collapse these businesses and send them broke.”
Bird’s comments highlighted rising concerns about press freedom in Papua New Guinea, with opposition figures openly accusing state-linked media of censorship and intimidation.
