By GEORGINA MICHAEL
THE Office of Censorship held a Media information session with media personnels from the mainstream media yesterday.
The workshop was held under the theme “Clarifying the Roles and Functions of the Office of Censorship and the National Censorship Board.”
The workshop aimed at improving understanding of the distinct roles and responsibilities of the Office of Censorship and the National Censorship Board, strengthen the relationship between the media and the Office of Censorship, increase accuracy in media reporting on censorship matters and enhance public awareness through informed media coverage.
The Chief Censor Mr. Jim Abani when presenting on the different roles of the National Censorship Board and the Office of Censorship, spoke on the importance of balancing freedom of expression with the regulation of harmful content, while acknowledging the Media Council’s updated Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (2024).
“This workshop provides an opportunity to address common misconceptions and strengthen our partnership with the media especially the role of the Cencorship Board from the office of Censorship,” Mr. Abani said.
“The Office of Censorship is not about restricting freedom of expression. We are responsible for administering and enforcing the Censorship Act, including the classification of publications.”
He encouraged journalists to maintain the role of journalism by providing an appropriate balance between freedom of expression and the need to regulate prohibited and harmful content.”
“Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of every democratic society. A free and responsible press has the power to strengthen democracy, promote transparency, foster economic growth, and build public confidence,” he said.
Mr. Abani added that the Office of Censorship makes decisions based on the law, not on individual or political interests. He also urged media organizations to verify all information before publication.
“I acknowledge that each organization has its own protocols but before news goes out for public consumption, it must go through those protocols for varificafion” he said.
The Office of Censorship Board Chairperson Mrs. Karen Haive encouraged the media to publish educational and positive information to educate young people and contribute to national development.
“The media can play an important role by always disseminating positive and educational information to educate our young people. Use the platforms available to promote respect for our national traditions and cultural values,” Mrs. Have said.
PNG Media Council President Mr. Neville Choi thanked the Office of Censorship for hosting the workshop and discussed the role of balanced censorship in upholding freedom of speech while regulating content responsibly.
He highlighted the importance of integrity, dignity and identity in media practices, especially with new technologies enabling widespread information dissemination.
“The Media Council and mass media play a very important role. The Office of Censorship enforces compliance and classification of content, while the Board provides a higher-level perspective and so media and censorship meet on a platform of values like integrity, dignity and identity,” Mr. Choi said.
“We are faced with new media technology that gives every citizen a voice. We cannot control how everyone uses it, but we can manage and promote the ideals of integrity, dignity, and our PNG values and identity.”
Mr. Choi encouraged media representatives to advocate for integrity and dignity, and to support the Office of Censorship in promoting responsible journalism.