Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

PNG Media Council criticised for lack of action after attack on reporter

Posted at 23:09 on 18 October, 2012 UTC

A group representing journalists in Papua New Guinea has raised concerns at the lack of action from the Media Council after an attack on a reporter last weekend.

The Post Courier newspaper’s reporter in Kundiawa, Michael Koma, says he and his wife were assaulted on Saturday over a story he wrote on the appointment of public servants.

The public officer for the PNG Media Workers Association, Titi Gabi, says they condemn assaults on colleagues who are doing what they are paid to do.

But she says the Media Council, which should be protecting journalists and ensuring they comply with the code of ethics, should be speaking out.

Ms Gabi says it has been invisible for nearly two years.

“The Media Council, whose role is this, to also make sure there is a proper complaints process for the public, is just not there. So something happens and we call for the Media Council - we don’t get a response from them, and it is really frustrating for us as well.”

The PNG Media Workers Association’s Titi Gabi.