We must plan our own media development path.

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Information and Communications Technology Timothy Mathew on Thursday expressed strong support for Fiji’s recent media law reforms.

Matthew stressed the vital importance of media freedom and the need for the region to chart its own path for media development at the 2024 Pacific Media Conference in Suva.

“We support and are pleased to see the Fijian government repeal the recent media laws that violated press freedom in Fiji,” he said.

Matthew highlighted the unique challenges that Papua New Guinea faces due to its diverse society.

“In Papua New Guinea, we have a very diverse society with over 1,000 tribes, over 800 languages ​​and a vast territory, so correct and factual information is also critical.”

Speaking on the conference theme, “Addressing Challenges, Shaping the Future of Pacific Media Research and Practice”, Matthew highlighted the important role of media in shaping public discourse and addressing regional issues.

“It reminds us all that the media continues to play a critical role in shaping public discourse and catalysing action on issues affecting the Pacific,” he noted.

He expressed concern about outside influence on Pacific media and stressed the power of the media to “inform, educate and mobilise communities to engage in our development agenda”.

“How has media evolved and been used as a tool to protect and preserve our Pacific identity?” Matthew asked, noting that developed countries have been disturbingly using the region’s media to push geopolitical agendas.

“I raise this issue because the media in the region is being influenced by outsiders.
“I see a continued impact on our culture, our way of life and ultimately an erosion of our Pacific values ​​and systems.”

“It is very disturbing to see our regional media being used by developed countries as a tool to promote their geopolitical agenda.

“As a result, I see a lasting impact on our culture, our way of life, and ultimately the gradual erosion of our Pacific values ​​and systems.

“In the media industry, some geopolitical influence is being re-engineered and re-cultivated through carefully crafted and attractive funding themes, such as increased ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability,’” he said.

Matthew advocates that the media industry should reflect Pacific values ​​rather than external pressures.

“This is not the way forward for truly independent, authentic Pacific media,” he said.

“Our media objectives and practices should reflect all aspects of our unique Pacific way of life.”

He stressed the importance of maintaining control over media content and resisting outside agendas.

“We cannot allow our authentic selves to get lost or be obscured by outside influences or agendas. We must control what we write, how we write it, and why we write it.

“Make no mistake – we welcome and appreciate the support of our development partners – but we must be free to control our own destiny,” Matthew stressed.

While welcoming development support, he urged partners to help build regional capacity for climate change response, early warning systems and combating misinformation.

“Regardless, I implore you to support us in our fight against misinformation, disinformation and fake news on social media by providing funding for the media.

“I don’t know what the situation is like in other Pacific Island countries, but my Ministry of ICT has set up a social media management unit to monitor the increasing threats on Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram and other online platforms.

“That’s another area that I’m concerned about, especially for my children and grandchildren,” he said.

Matthew also discussed Papua New Guinea’s draft National Media Development Policy, which aims to promote media self-regulation, enhance government media capacity, and diversify content in the national interest.

“The draft policy aims to promote media self-regulation; enhance government media capacity; roll out media infrastructure for all; and diversify content and quota usage in the national interest,” he explained.

He assured that the policy was not an attempt to restrict media freedom.

“This is by no means an attempt by the Marape/Rosso government to restrict the media in Papua New Guinea.

“In fact, the media in Papua New Guinea currently enjoys unprecedented freedom and ability to report as they see fit,” Matthew clarified.

Matthew called for a unified approach to media development in the Pacific.

“Let me conclude by reiterating my firm belief that the Pacific region needs a radical overhaul of our media strategy.

“This means rediscovering our original values ​​to guide our approach and practices in the media industry.

“We must come together as one to address the challenges ahead and reshape the future of media in the Pacific,” he urged, stressing that the Pacific’s media strategy should reflect its authentic ways and serve the needs of its people.

Source: PINA