Tuesday 26 November 2024
Minister for Information and Communications Technology Hon. Timothy Masiu in a celebratory milestone, lauded Digicel’s TVWan’s decade-long commitment to transforming Papua New Guinea’s media landscape during its 10th anniversary celebrations.
The event celebrated a significant milestone as Minister Masiu honored TVWan’s resilience, dedication, and vital contributions to journalism in Papua New Guinea.
“Reaching a decade of service is no small feat,” Minister Masiu said.
“Your journey over the past ten years has been remarkable, and your contributions have made a meaningful difference in our country.”
He emphasized how TVWan, since its inception, has enriched the media environment through innovation and healthy competition, alongside established broadcasters like NBC and EMTV.
The Minister highlighted the crucial role of media in modern society, noting that TVWan has not only informed the public but also fostered accountability and transparency.
“In our context, TVWan has promoted citizen engagement, bringing the voices of Papua New Guineans to the forefront,” he added.
Minister Masiu revealed that the government has approved the National Media Development Policy—a framework aimed at strengthening the media sector.
“This policy is not about controlling the media; rather, it’s designed to build a vibrant media landscape that can adapt to our changing world,” he clarified.
The National Media Development Policy revolves around four key objectives:
- Improving Coordination of Government Information: Ensuring that accurate and timely government communications reach the public to reduce misinformation and enhance understanding of important issues.
- Creating Professional Pathways for Media Professionals: Providing support and training for journalists to cultivate a skilled and ethical media workforce that can serve the nation with integrity.
- Strengthening Ethics and Standards: Empowering the National Media Council to uphold high standards in journalism, thereby countering misinformation and enhancing public trust in media outlets.
- Ensuring the Safety of Media Professionals: Recognizing the challenging conditions under which journalists operate and taking steps to protect their safety.
Minister Masiu emphasized, “This policy is here to protect, support, and strengthen the media—not to restrict it.
“The government values a free and fair media and is committed to working alongside you to ensure that it remains strong and independent.”
The Minister also encouraged TVWan to embrace new technologies and enhance their digital capabilities.
“The Government of Papua New Guinea is committed to a Digital Transformation agenda, aiming to make government services more accessible, efficient, and transparent,” he said.
He underscored that as TVWan adopts advanced technologies, it contributes directly to this agenda and helps empower citizens to access reliable information.
Furthermore, Mr Masiu called upon TVWan to uphold the highest standards of journalism.
“As a trusted news source, you have a responsibility to deliver accurate, unbiased, and responsible news.
“In times where misinformation is easily spread, it is critical for media outlets like TVWan to be beacons of truth and integrity.”
Minister Masiu congratulated TVWan on their achievements over the past decade, expressing pride in their accomplishments.
He highlighted that reaching a 10-year milestone is a significant event worth celebrating and expressed confidence that there is much more to come.
He expressed a shared vision for the future, saying, “May we strive towards a future where the media is stronger, the public is more informed, and our democracy is richer.”
The 10th anniversary celebration not only commemorated the past achievements of TVWan but also spotlighted the collaborative path ahead for the government and media in cultivating a thriving informational ecosystem in Papua New Guinea.