National Broadcasting Corporation news filter process is effective: Managing Director Kora Nou

National Broadcasting Corporation [NBC] appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Communications to respond to its Terms of Reference [TOR], this week.

The Committee Chaired by Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec touched on key areas of journalist safety, media freedom in the country, standard of Journalism, and information dissemination on government's development agenda and media coordination.

The Parliamentary Committee is conducting an inquiry into fake news, bad news reporting and social media establishments in the country.

The inquiry also focused on the role of social media and its impact, in terms of fake news and its negative impact on people, communities, businesses and politics in the country.

NBC managing director, Kora Nou faced the inquiry with his deputy Michael Samuga, Executive Director [ED] Radio Douglas Dimagi, ED Television, Bumbu Ketaki and Chief News Editor Radio, Maivo Lafanama (Picture insert: Solomon Sumb)

Mr Nou in his TOR presentation said NBC's has an editorial filter process before news is disseminated, investigative journalism is encouraged, and reporters' safety remains NBC priority since its establishment in 1973 and the national broadcaster reports to Parliament through the Broadcasting Act 1973 [Amended in 1995].

He also talked on the challenges currently faced.

"For NBC we have two very important challenges. Firstly, the government must look into improving technologies we use and power issues that often cause the transmission to cut off," Mr Nou said.

"In terms of content, I think we could do more with the government pushing information not so much political [that has its own space] but [through] government development agendas," Mr. Nou said.

Meanwhile the committee questioned NBC whether the government from the bureaucracy level, including parliamentarians communicates effectively in driving key development agendas.

Mr Nou said it's quite effective but needs more improvement and proper coordination thus, encouraged representatives from the government to NBC and speak on their plans and agendas on various programs.

"For NBC we are most welcome to have government representatives on Talk Back Show, Current Affair and other programs we have for free," Nou said.

He further raised a concern that the standard of Journalism in the country is easily dropping as a result of students lacking enough practical experience.

"During my time back in UPNG we've gone through hard yards of knowing the good ethics of journalism and how to write good stories.

"It was effective because the equipment was there [available] and lecturers were there. Now the quality is dropping, and the government must look into it," He added.

Meanwhile, NBC is dedicated to be the voice of the voiceless and custodian to the beloved people of PNG.

Mr. Nou is appreciative to the people of PNG for having great respect for NBC, its staff nationwide, protecting its facilities in the provinces and continuing to believe in the information NBC disseminate through the Radio, Television and Online platforms.