National Media Development Policy approved

Minister for Information and Communications Technology Timothy Masiu described the approved National Media Development Policy 2024 as a landmark achievement for the media sector in Papua New Guinea.

This policy went through a rigorous development process that engaged both internal and external stakeholders, highlighting the critical need for structured guidance in the media landscape since 2022.

During this phase, a major external consultation attracted considerable responses from the local, regional, and international communities. Comments and suggestions were received both online and in writing, with many journalists expressing concerns about potential government control over media operations.

In light of the substantial feedback gathered from stakeholders, the Department of Information Communication and Technology [DICT] conducted a second round of external consultations to further refine the policy's content, in a national survey on key topics of news accessibility, media accreditation, local content, and training.

Mr Masiu said the survey revealed a strong preference among respondents for traditional media sources— such as TV, radio, and newspapers—over social media, due to their perceived trustworthiness.

“This finding has influenced provisions within the policy that support credible media outlets and promote responsible reporting. Additionally, there was overwhelming support for media professionals and companies to obtain accreditation, further emphasizing the need for ethical standards in journalism.

“A notable concern raised in the survey was the lack of local content in mainstream media. In response, the Government Media Advisory Committee [GMAC] has been established to encourage funding and distribution of local digital content, thereby showcasing the rich cultural diversity of PNG. The survey also highlighted the importance of media literacy programs and the promotion of female inclusion within the media industry. As a result, the policy includes provisions aimed at empowering women in media production and dissemination.”