Former NBC MD calls for stronger protection of Media Freedom

Former NBC Managing Director Joseph Eladona has called for changes to the law to protect journalists and strengthen the independence of the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

Speaking during the NBC Act review consultation in Port Moresby, Mr Eladona said many people wrongly believe NBC is a government broadcaster. He stressed that NBC is a public broadcaster that serves the people of Papua New Guinea.

"We are not a government broadcaster. We are a public broadcaster. We write for the people of Papua New Guinea.

"Whether the government likes it or not, we are writing for the people of Papua New Guinea."

Mr Eladona said journalists must report the truth without fear or favour. He said they must remain objective, responsible, and willing to expose corruption wherever it occurs, including in government.

"There are some of us who believe that being responsible is also writing about corruption, exposing the corruption of what people do in society. If it's against the government, that is our role as a responsible public broadcaster—without fear and without favor."

Mr Eladona also shared his own experience as a former chief political reporter. He revealed that he was suspended after reporting on a Defence Force dispute. He said many reporters, editors, board members and managing directors fear losing their jobs when reporting stories that criticise the government.

To strengthen editorial independence, he proposed the creation of an independent body to appoint the NBC Managing Director and board members.

"So, those are the things that maybe I want our review to also look into.

"My thinking is this, we need to be like the Ombudsman Commission, think the Police Force, I believe, the Defense Force, where there is a independent, uh, quasi-independent body that appoints the MD and maybe the board. We'll talk about those. So, it comprises the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader,"

Mr Eladona said stronger legal protections are needed to ensure journalists can work freely and serve the interests of Papua New Guinea and its people.