13/05/2012 15:33

 

PNG Media Workers Association
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
WPFD 2012 workshop
Media strengthening, Elections, and Ethics reporting
May 2-4 2011
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
 

Representatives of Papua New Guinea’s Media Workers Association have called for stronger attention to media ethics in the forthcoming elections, and called for more industry support from management. The call came from their media workshop held as part of Pacific events to mark World Press Freedom Day 2012 in Port Moresby, PNG.
Key themes for the workshop looked at the need to strengthen media, especially as journalists face the demands of covering the elections. Journalists stressed the need to work beyond campaign and party coverage so that all Papua New Guinea voters make informed choices on Election Day. Former elections consultant and prominent lawyer, Professor John Nonggorr reminded participants to ensure the people understood their right to vote especially those in the remotest parts of the country.
Media strengthening
The workshop identified lack of communication and empathy with employers, difficult working conditions especially in provincial areas, and the need to review industry practice and pay rates as key challenges to media professionalism and morale.
Participants committed to support the solidarity and strengthening of the PNG Media Workers Association as a conduit for achieving better voice and solutions for their working conditions and professional concerns.
Participants also highlighted the need for regular training tailored to their needs and welcomed the establishment of the PNG Media Workers Association working alongside the PNG Media Council.
Elections and Ethics
Ethics in reporting is an on-going issue affecting professional conduct and standards in PNG Media. Maintaining professional integrity and ethics becomes a serious challenge during elections. Participants noted the voice of conscience is difficult to maintain when journalists are underpaid, under resourced, and have little professional or moral support to help them build trust and credibility in news practice. Participants committed to:

• Upholding the national PNG Media Council Ethics codes on conflict of interest, which specifically prohibits the acceptance of cash or inducements during election periods. Strategies to counter envelope bribes include a prepared note handed back with envelopes explaining the Ethics code prohibition.
• Disclosure of any gifting in a newsroom log, which is open to publication or scrutiny.
• Actively promoting the Ethics code to colleagues and the general public.
• Disclosure in the bodies of filed reports, of any assistance given in covering a news event, such as free accommodation, transport, or other subsidies.

The meeting further noted the need for older journalists to mentor and advise younger cadets. The potential and pitfalls of social media and online networking was also noted.
Launch of PNG Media Workers Association
In a WPFD 2012 special event, leading PNG media commentator Peter Aitsi delivered a keynote noting the role of the media and urging a return to ethical conduct especially in view of the current elections period. He formally launched the PNG Media Workers Association and tasked it to work in solidarity to avoid the pitfalls of bribery and corruption, which can tarnish the reputation and credibility of the media profession, and damage the watchdog role of the media.
Launch of IFJ Inaugural Pacific Press Freedom report
During the WPFD special event, Ministry of Information Secretary Kora Nou delivered a keynote on behalf of the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill supporting media independence. He commended the IFJ Pacific Press Freedom report and urged journalists to ensure truth and balance in reporting the elections. The IFJ Pacific project thanked the Secretary of the Ministry of Information for the strong vote of support for media freedom and the launch of the inaugural Pacific Press Freedom Report.
The leadership of Papua New Guinea journalists in supporting regional monitoring for media rights via the Pacific Freedom Forum, which led to partnership with the global International Federation of Journalists body and the inception of Pacific Press Freedom reporting, received special mention.
A moment’s silence honouring the contribution of the late Yehiura Hriehwazi and other former PNG journalists to press freedom in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific was observed by the meeting.
The World Press Freedom Day workshop was organised by the Papua New Guinea Media Workers Association and the International Federation of Journalists with partnership support from the Media Alliance of Australia, MEAA.Other partners were the European Community and UNESCO-funded Pacific Media, Human Rights and Democracy project, UNESCO Pacific, UNDP PNG, and the PNG Government’s Ministry of Information. The event was the first ever action initiated by the new PNG Media Workers Association. Participants included representatives from the PNG Post Courier, Sunday Chronicle, EMTV, Wantok Nius Paper, National Newspaper, PNGFM, FM100, and the NBC.

 4 May 2012