PNG takes centre stage as regional media summit tackles digital threat

Papua New Guinea has taken center stage in shaping the future of regional journalism as media executives, broadcasters, and editors from across the region converged on APEC Haus today for the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference [PMPC].

Hosted by the National Broadcasting Corporation [NBC], the two-day summit comes at a critical crossroads for regional journalism, under the banner: "Resilient Voices: Empowering Blue Pacific Media."

The two-day conference, which starts today, opens against a backdrop of intense digital disruption, rising misinformation, and economic pressures threatening the independence of Pacific newsrooms.

NBC Managing Director Kora Nou and Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union [ABU] Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem will deliver the opening addresses, setting the tone for urgent high-level discussions on media resilience in 2026.

Over the next 48 hours, delegates will discuss challenges facing the regional press gallery, including reporting on sensitive national security and social issues, climate crisis journalism, and navigating the rise of artificial intelligence and digital disinformation.

A series of workshops will roll out practical blueprints for radio scheduling, low-cost content production, and modern digital distribution, which are practical tools aimed at helping resource-constrained Pacific broadcasters protect their independence and expand their audience reach.

The conference will conclude tomorrow with the signing of a historic joint communiqué. The document is expected to lock in a unified regional strategy, setting strict priorities for future funding, technical cooperation, and editorial solidarity among Pacific media houses.