BBC Media Action Workshop for PNG Journalists kicks off today

British High Commissioner to PNG, H.E. Anne Macro (Centre-front) and PNG Media Council President Neville Choi with the facilitators and journalists during the opening of three-day workshop. *Image: Supplied)*

Journalists from various major media organizations in Papua New Guinea have started a three-day social media training workshop. The workshop is a joint effort between the PNG Media Council and BBC News.

This is the first such event in the Pacific Islands, supported by the UK Government. Its goal is to strengthen the skills of PNG journalists in providing accurate and unbiased information to their audiences.

The British High Commissioner to PNG, H.E. Anne Macro, attended the event this morning to speak to journalists about using social media effectively, organized by BBC Media Action.

“Trusted, public interest media is essential to democratic stability and governance in the Pacific region, and across the world – people need to know who and what they can trust for news and information, and to have platforms for peaceful, respectful discussion and debate,” said the British High Commission.

“This collaborative approach makes a huge difference, by bringing together different skill sets, resources, and fostering a spirit of unity,” the British High Commission added.

PNG Media Council President Neville Choi highlighted the importance of the workshop for journalists and encouraged participants to learn as much as possible.

"Even if you're just one person in your organization who looks after your digital platforms and your socials, you're the one that's responsible, meaning you're the gatekeeper. So even if you're transitioning news from traditional print to online or social media, you're the last person that looks at it.

"What I would probably encourage you through this process is this is not a training program for you to come and sit and get training just in skills. You're here to learn and observe how these tools facilitate the program so that you can note down tips and understand how effectively to deliver the same program within each of your newsrooms.

"And I think that's something that even if you're one person, you can do that. So feel empowered, be willing to give of your experience, to share whatever challenges you face," Choi said.

The workshop will train key individuals to become trainers at their own media organizations.

Topics to be covered during the three-day workshop include the role of social media in journalism, content creation, media ethics, audience engagement, and understanding algorithms.