EMTV admits it was wrong to broadcast Namah story

 By MALUM NALU

EMTV yesterday admitted that it was wrong in broadcasting a story on Tuesday night featuring opposition leader Belden Namah voicing strong criticisms of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

The story had its immediate repercussions, with O’Neill the same evening instructing his lawyers to sue Namah, EMTV and reporter Scott Waide for defamation.

Namah hit back later accusing O’Neill of trying to control the media and threatening to cancel EMTV’s licence – claims that O’Neill has denied.

EMTV general manager Tukaha Mua said yesterday in Port Moresby: “EMTV broadcast a story on Tuesday that did not meet our code of ethics requirement for balance.

“As soon as we realised our error, we retracted the story and issued an immediate apology.

“The apology was repeated last night (Wednesday). 

“We have been contacted by the Prime Minister’s office and have been advised that they are considering legal options. 

“For the moment, we have done all we can on this matter and will wait for any further developments.”

On the Hamish Sharp issue, in which two EMTV Lae staff were allegedly assaulted by the Bismark Marine company owner and a camera damaged last Thursday, Mua said company lawyers were still reviewing options. 

“As soon as they complete the process and come to us, we will make a decision and move accordingly,” he said.