The newly established permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications held its press conference this afternoon at the Parliament House and introduced its first inquiry into the role and impact of media in PNG.

The Committee was established by Parliament in October in 2022, comprising of the Member for Wau-Waria, Marsh Narewec as the Chairman, and Sam Basil Jr, Member for Bulolo as Deputy Chairman.

Other committee members include Sasindran Muthuvel, Governor for West New Britain Province, Alexander Orme, Member for Sumkar, Ricky Morris, Member for Alotau, Ereman ToBaining Jr, Member for Kokopo Open, and Simon Dumarinu, Member for Central Bougainville.

The chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Marsh Narewec said the objective of the inquiry is to improve the standard of Journalism, restore the integrity of journalists and ethics of Journalism in Papua New Guinea.

Mr Narewec said the committee will be guided by the following Terms of References (TORs);

  1. The impacts of misinformation, disinformation and sensationalized reporting on Society, State and Governance.
  2. The Role of Media Organizations, Regulatory Agencies, and PNG Media Council in ensuring highest ethical and professional standards to protect Society, the State of Papua New Guinea and preserve established media freedom.
  3. The effectiveness of policies and legislations in supporting and promoting established media freedom, integrity and welfare of journalists and journalism in PNG
  4. The standards of teaching programs and facilities at academic institutions.

He added the interested individuals and groups are invited to make their written submissions addressing the TORS. The due date for the submissions is on Friday, May 16, 2024.

Chairman said there will be a public hearing in Port Moresby and in other regional centers in the country.

The hearing in Port Moresby is set to take place from Tuesday, May 21 to Thursday May 23, 2024 at the State Function Room, Parliament House, however, the date for other regional centers is not confirm yet.

Mr Narewec said the inquiry will provide opportunity for relevant stakeholders, expert individuals and groups, and the public to share their views and propose recommendations.

He said the committee welcome all these information and this information will assist the committee to prepare and present its report to Parliament.