There are three media issues related to freedom of the media in Papua New Guinea. They are: Why do we have the media at all? Why is media bashing a popular pastime? How are perceptions formed through the media?
Do we need the media? Why? The media: Inform, provide awareness, educate and entertain; protect rights, make responsible assessments of community feelings; protect minority interests; keep leaders honest; support community values, democracy, and freedom.
These are values to which we aspire; they are good and admirable. The concern is not so much that the media informs, educates and entertains. The concern is when the media misinforms. When it does that, it devalues its role and questions its own integrity and professionalism.
Recommended CitationTogolo, M., Ethical media for PNG, Asia Pacific Media Educator, 6, 1999, 108-111.