Consultation extension makes sense

THE extension of the consultation period on the draft National Media Development Policy for another week makes sense.
There is no need to rush it. In fact, there is a plethora of things in that proposed legislation which need extensive discussions among stakeholders, including, if we may suggest, international media bodies.
The announcement by the Information and Communication Technology Minister Timothy Masiu to extend the consultation period is a smarty decision. The last thing he wants is to be seen as pushing through a legislation which we suspect has some hidden agenda on the part of the Government he is part of.
The purpose of the proposed policy – to use the media as a tool for development, such as the promotion of democracy, good governance, human rights, and social and economic development – gives away too much.
Alarm bells start ringing straightaway, that there is a motive behind it all to see the media as a propaganda arm of Government. It undermines media freedom, something that is so vital in giving oxygen to democracy.
The editorial independence of respective newsrooms must be respected. The Government will be foolish to try to control editorial decisions in newsrooms.
The Constitution provides freedom of expression and the right to receive and impart information, including the right to freedom of the press.
The Constitution recognises the important role of media in a democratic society and the need for a free and independent press to provide a diverse range of opinions and viewpoints.
These provisions in the Constitution reflect the importance of media freedom in Papua New Guinea and the commitment to a free, diverse, and independent media environment.
The media must be free to publish news or information that it deems of national importance.
Many mouth the words ‘freedom of the media’ in the same was as they mumble ‘law and order’ or ‘full force of the law’.
And these phrases by now are worn to the bone of being overused.
What is the much hyped about media freedom? It is not freedom to distort, to smear reputations, to perpetuate idle gossip or to write inaccurately.
It has nothing to do with bias or the buying of media support through favours.
The power that comes with freedom gives no rights to destroy leaders without justification, nor to create false and glowing reputations for those who deserve none. There is nothing simple to being a member of the PNG media.
PNG governments have pursued an often rocky relationship with the media.
Our leaders are notorious for worshipping the media when it speaks well for them, but doing their level best to remove media freedoms when it criticises their actions.
As long as PNG remains a democracy, our leaders exist to serve us, the people – and the media exists to keep the public accurately and responsibly informed.
We urge the public to recognise the benefits of living in a nation blessed with freedom of the media, of speech and broadcast and association.
And so, we suggest that this policy should not be rushed through without wider and in-depth consultations with, for example, reputable international (Commonwealth) and local organisations. Through the high commissions and embassies here in Port Moresby, organisations such as the Thomson Foundation in the UK, Press Council of Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain, International Federation of Journalists, the Australia Broadcasting Commission and New Zealand Broadcasting Authority, should be approached to provide their views.
It will give this media development exercise so much credibility.
We strongly believe that all elements of this policy, and ultimately any changes adopted by the Government, must be in keeping with the Government’s publicly-stated commitment to freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and equally important, the public’s right to know.
Only on this basis, the mass media will continue to enjoy the freedom and independence to collect information and to disseminate news and opinion.