By JOE GURINA
THE Minister for Information and Communication Technology Timothy Masiu has come out clear that the Government has no intention whatsoever to control the media industry in the country through a draft media policy.
In his statement delivered at the National Media Development Policy Workshop this week, he stressed that the draft Policy was not an attempt by the government to regulate, restrict, censor or control the freedom of expression or speech that is enshrined in our National Constitution.
He said the draft policy was part of the wider review and reform agenda the Marape/Rosso Government has boldly embarked on to enhance and have a positive impact on the development of a vibrant, professional and free media.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, it is a long overdue attempt to look into improving the wellbeing and welfare of our media workers in Papua New Guinea.
As a responsible government, we are fully conscious that the media and our media workers have been an essential element of our PNG ecosystem since independence in 1975,’’ he said.
Minister Masiu said the Government is in no position to destroy the legacy set by the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare who himself was a great protector of the media.
“Therefore, it is not in our government’s best interest, nor mine, to stifle the constitutional freedom of expression through this policy. It intends to support and strengthen media development in PNG, including the strengthening of our support to the schools of journalism,” he said.
The Minister said the policy was also intended to review the entire spectrum of the Information Communication sector which a part of this was the editorial part of the print and broadcast media including social media use of broadcast platforms.
“I would think that the greater concern of the public and interest group relates to news editorial and writing. I assure the public that the policy intends to protect and legalize self-regulation as the key component of accountability to the journalism profession,’’ he said.
Secretary for the Department of ICT Steven Matainaho highlighted the purpose of the draft Policy and its aim to develop media.
He said the policy will promote media diversity, responsible journalism, and access to information to support a more informed, engaged, and empowered public in the country.