PNG’s Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane gave this challenge when officially opening a six-day media conference in Port Moresby.
Sir Paulias said this means reporting facts, giving balanced reports and moving away from focusing too much on negative issues.
He said while PNG enjoys the freedom of the press, it also comes with responsibility, particularly when the literate population that read and listen to news were taking the information as bible truths.
“That is why, when we talk about the freedom of speech, especially when it relates to journalists as practitioners, we must be cautious. We have to be, because no amount of remorse, or redress, can repair and restore the degree of damage, loss of millions, and above all, the lifestyle of our people,” Sir Paulias said.
The conference, organized under the theme, “Media, Good Governance and the Future” was opened following a welcome breakfast, attended by several dignitaries.
He said the conference was being held at a time when the mass media in PNG needed to reflect, refocus and redefine its course.
“As PNG becomes part of the global world, Sir Paulias said, ‘’the media in PNG also need to change and adapt and not continue to hold on to the traditional values of developmental journalism or become bystanders in a more enterprising journalism.”
He added, “We cannot isolate ourselves against the onslaught of technological advances in the way we do business. And, through this conference, we as practitioners of a free press and champions of the freedom to express, have to wave our flags. These flags have to reflect our role, as a significant part of our communities.”
He commended the media for organizing the conference, saying it showed its genuineness to work with other organizations so that they felt a part of the status quo of today’s media.
“Our people are the greatest gift we have, and we must endeavor to ensure they are a party to all our discourse, whether political, economical or collectively. And that means from the politicians, bureaucrats, union leaders, disciplined forces and every service oriented organization, should ensure, that information presented should be in the context that will suit our people,” Sir Paulias said.
