THE recently launched 2021 World Press Freedom Index by the Reporters Without Borders, shows that journalism is completely or partly blocked in 73 percent of the 180 countries as ranked by the organization.
In assessing PNG, the Index noted that although the media enjoy a relatively benign legislative environment, our media freedom is clearly endangered.
“This is concerning as journalism is the main vaccine against disinformation, and a free media builds public trust,” says the Chairman of Transparency International PNG, Peter Aitsi.
In a statement released by the Transparency International PNG, the statement highlighted two key threats to Papua New Guinea’s media freedom which includes the “political pressure” and the “commercial considerations”.
“Political pressure on the work of media has been experienced in previous government, and has continued on into the new government.
“We have seen this political pressure, for instance, with the lack of detailed information released for APEC reporting and now COVID-19 reporting.
“Commercial pressure is primarily around concerns on ownership, but also means there is a lack of funding and material resources to support proper investigative journalism and reporting in the field,” Aitsi stated.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day falls on May 3rd, 2021 with the theme “Information as a Public Good”. The theme underlines the importance of verified and reliable information.
Meanwhile, “Promoting anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategies ( PAIS) Program Manager, David Messina in his statement during the launching of the Investigative Journalism Awards in Port Moresby has strongly emphasize on the importance of journalism ethics saying it is an essential tool in making our societies and democracies more open, transparent and resilient.
“The work of Journalist is critical to the health of our societies- allowing all of us to stay informed, empowered and safe.
“In the current context, including the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for quality Journalism to fend off biased and fake content has become even more urgent,” he said.
He also made mentioned a total amount of K115 million EU grant was allocated to the “European Union-PNG Partnership for Good Governance”. The partnership focus on improving integrity and tackling corruption in the country.
The fund will go towards assisting the PAIS project. A project implemented by TIPNG and funded by the European Union in support to increase capacity of journalists and editors to conduct investigative journalism.
The Investigative Journalism Media Awards that has been launched today gives a clear indication of the importance that TIPNG and EU place on Journalism.
The main goal of the 2021 Investigative Journalism Awards is to push professional journalists to uncover, investigate, follow through and expose the lack of governance on various national issues.
Mr Messina concluded by thanking in advance the journalists who will take part in the competition.